Mattress Reviews 
Best Mattresses 
Compare Mattresses 
Accessory Reviews 
Sleep Science 
Sleep Disorders 
Sleep Tips 
Health 
My daughter jokes that my left hip has aged three times faster than the rest of my body, and though he may not say it, I think my chiropractor agrees with her. However, after sleeping on one of the best mattresses for hip pain for the past nine months, I can testify that the right mattress can ease pain and provide better-quality sleep.
My fellow certified sleep science coaches and mattress experts have tested more than 330 beds, and since I know I’m far from the only person who experiences hip pain, I want to share the best mattresses for hip pain so that, like me, you can get a bed that will help you sleep more comfortably.
We combine subjective evaluations with quantitative data to compile this list and assign a 1 to 5 rating across several performance categories. A mattress had to have an overall score of 4.2 or higher to make the final “best of” cut. When choosing the best beds for hip pain, we considered their firmness because medium-firm mattresses are typically best suited to ease hip pain due to their a solid mix of contouring and support. In further testing of these beds, we honed in some additional factors, which I’ll go over in a bit.
Finally, we consulted two medical specialists, including our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, and quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. “Having a mattress that doesn’t meet your needs can worsen your hip discomfort,” he says. “This can make it harder to fall asleep and increase your chances of waking up throughout the night. In turn, it can compound your hip pain by having a direct negative impact on your quality of life. The benefits of alleviating your pain so that you can get quality sleep plays a significant role in your overall wellbeing.”
The second advisor was Dr. Joseph J. Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, who we invited to our Charlotte, NC, sleep studio to do some hands-on testing and give us his professional feedback on several of the beds on this list.
Our Top Pick for Hip Pain
The Nectar contouring memory foam provides pressure relief for those with hip pain, while its responsiveness makes it easy for sleepers to reposition. These features, combined with the bed’s excellent cooling capabilities and affordability, propelled the Nectar to the top of the list of best mattresses for hip pain.
Best Mattresses for Hip Pain of 2025
- Nectar – Best Overall
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Hip Pain and Back Pain
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Couples
- Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Hip Pain
- WinkBeds Original – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Hip Pain
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress for Seniors
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Mattress for Shoulder and Hip Pain
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers with Hip Pain
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in the Best Mattresses for Hip Pain
Unless you test and write about mattresses for a living, you probably don’t think about yours much — unless it’s uncomfortable. If you consistently wake up feeling like your hip was on the losing end of a cage match, you’ll likely find yourself searching for terms like “what are the best mattresses for hip pain?” and “Do real people actually test mattresses.” I’m here to break down different mattresses that will work for you, what I looked for when making these selections, and assure you that my hip pain was very much real until I got the right mattress.
When testing mattresses, we use a comprehensive review methodology that includes both hands-on evaluations and data-driven information. Combining the subjective and quantitative results of our testing allows us to give precise observations on how a mattress will feel and hold up. Some of the features we analyze include:
- Pressure relief: Those with hip pain benefit from a mattress that hits the bullseye on cushioning. To relieve pressure around the hips, a mattress shouldn’t be squishy-soft or hard as a rock. Instead, it should offer gentle contouring that allows sleepers to sink in without causing them to plummet through the layers.
- Responsiveness: When we look at a bed’s responsiveness, we gauge how quickly it bounces back to its original shape after weight is applied. We measure this to let you know how easy it is to reposition on the mattress. If it scores highly in this category, that typically indicates that the mattress will be a good choice for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
- Motion Isolation: If a bed partner’s flipping and flopping has ever left you fuming in the middle of the night, your bed probably doesn’t have great motion isolation. We test how well a bed’s materials absorb movements and prevent them from moving to the other side of the bed. If a mattress scores a 4 or higher in this category, it has good motion isolation.
- Support: A mattress support system is instrumental in relieving hip pain because it provides spinal alignment. If your spine isn’t held in a neutral line when you are sleeping, it can increase pain and pressure by putting it in an awkward position.
- Materials: Before we recommend a bed for hip pain relief, we want to ensure that the materials used in its construction are durable. Although a mattress may be comfortable in testing, we don’t want to recommend it if the materials aren’t likely to hold up. Foam or coils that could break down easily could increase pressure and decrease support.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Hip Pain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples
|
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
|
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain
|
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
|
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain,
|
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples
|
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
|
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
|
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
|
Best Mattress for Hip Pain Video Review
Nectar – Best Overall
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nectar Classic does a great job of relieving back pain. The pressure map test results show a lot of blue and green on our backs, meaning back sleepers should experience good pressure relief from the Nectar.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
If you, like me, have hip pain and love a good deal, let me introduce you to my pick for the best overall mattress for hip pain — the Nectar Classic memory foam mattress. Despite its low cost, the Nectar received high support and pressure relief marks, scoring 4.5 and 5, respectively. This proves that a quality foam bed doesn’t have to break the bank.
The pressure-relieving capabilities of the Nectar’s contouring foams are evident in our pressure map tests, which create thermal images that highlight where a mattress causes pressure. We saw that these pictures lacked yellow or red areas on the back or the side. The presence of these colors on pressure maps indicates increased pressure. “Memory foam lovers and back sleepers should be happy on the Nectar,” said mattress tester Nichole Mondshein. “This bed offers decent body contouring and excellent support. It should give most average-weight sleepers with hip pain ample cushioning.”
Following up on Nichole’s assessment of the Nectar, Dr. Tedesco said, “I think this mattress should work well for back or side sleepers with hip pain. My hips are supported and in good alignment without any excessive pressure in both sleeping positions. However, it’s probably most beneficial for back sleepers, because in the side position, you may notice some pressure buildup, especially if you’re a person with higher body weight.”
In addition to its support, we were pleasantly surprised by the Nectar’s excellent cooling capabilities. All-foam beds can prevent airflow and trap heat, making them unsuitable for hot sleepers. However, this mattress comes with a cooling cover and a comfort layer made of gel-infused memory foam, which helps regulate temperatures throughout the night.
While this budget-friendly mattress performs well in many categories, it falls a little short regarding motion isolation. Therefore, if you sleep with a restless partner, you may want to avoid the Nectar, and try out the Nectar Premier. For more affordable choices, check out the best cheap mattresses of 2025.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress for Hip Pain and Back Pain
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Dealing with the double whammy of hip and back pain may make quality sleep feel like little more than a pipe dream. However, the Helix Midnight Luxe, a luxury version of the Helix Midnight, may be the sandman you’ve been looking for. Under its plush pillow top, the Midnight Luxe includes coils zoned for support, making this bed a champion for those with back and hip pain. Our subjective assessments were further solidified by this mattress’s test results, leading us to give it a 4.5 in support and a perfect 5 in pressure relief.
Getting a perfect score in pressure relief is not an easy feat, but Luxe managed this by doing an outstanding job in cradling sensitive areas on my back and hips. Mattress tester Nichole Mondshein had a similar experience. “The Midnight Luxe’s extra pillow-top layer makes it feel more cushioning than the standard Midnight,” she said. “I’d especially recommend this mattress to sleepers who suffer from back pain since there’s extra plushness, plus the zoned support helps promote a healthy, straight spinal alignment.”
Dr. Tedesco was also a fan of the Nectar’s support. After his hands-on evaluation of this bed, he stated that he would recommend it for those with hip pain, in large part, because of the exceptional support he felt in his hips.
Nichole and I were both impressed with how well the copper gel memory foam relieved pressure without causing the lower body to sink too far into the mattress. And the gentle pillow top welcomed us with a soft, cushioned introduction, providing an extra layer of comfort around the hips — a crucial factor for those who deal with body aches. Dr. Dasgupta confirmed, “Pressure relief, especially in the lumbar area, is important for sleepers with back pain.”
However, I wouldn’t recommend this bed for couples, especially if one partner is restless. The Midnight Luxe doesn’t do a great job of isolating motion. If you want a bed that keeps motion from transferring from one side to the other, check out the Silk & Snow Hybrid. Also, if you want an extended sleep trial to ensure you’re purchasing the right mattress, Helix only offers a 100 night tryout period. The Saatva Rx, on the other hand, lets you spend a full year with your mattress before making your final decision.
DreamCloud Premier – Best Mattress for Couples
The DreamCloud Premier’s construction is a thoughtful, luxurious take on the company’s flagship mattress. It uses a hybrid of foam and coils to achieve a firmer feel that’s still pressure-relieving. We think many back sleepers and stomach sleepers should appreciate this mattress. With such versatility and many special features, the Premier is well-equipped to cater to couples. Learn more in our DreamCloud Premier video review.
What our tester says:
“From the cashmere cover to the Euro top, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with this bed. I really like how this mattress combines sturdy support with cozy pressure relief — making it a great choice for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Finding a mattress for couples when one or both of you have hip pain means you have to bring a bit more scrutiny to the process. In our testing, that means expanding our search to a wider range of mattress factors. When recommending a good bed for couples, my fellow testers and I pay special attention to motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and responsiveness — and when picking beds for hip pain, we hone in on a bed’s supportiveness and pressure-relieving capabilities. The DreamCloud Premier captured a 4 or higher in all five of these key categories.
The DreamCloud Premier is a shining star in both motion isolation and responsiveness, scoring a 4 and 4.5, respectively. This is rare, as beds that bring it in responsiveness often have poor motion isolation and vice versa. To test motion isolation, I placed a phone running a seismograph app on one side of the mattress and had a colleague replicate the act of getting in and out of bed and repositioning. Our results showed compacted lines with no dramatic spikes. We followed this up by having one tester get on one side of the bed, and the other get in on the other side and move around. “When my colleague got in bed with me, I hardly felt her movements on my side,” reported mattress tester Bridget Chapman. These tests showed us that movements on one side of the bed went largely unnoticed on the other.
Additionally, I find that the hybrid Premier is responsive, making it an excellent choice for sexually active couples. Dr. Tedesco said that when one or both partners of a sexually active couple has hip pain, their goal should be to minimize stress on the hip while maximizing comfort and pleasure. “Bolsters and wedges can allow proper body alignment and reduce strain in holding various positions,” he said. “If on your back, placing a pillow under your hips, if on your side, using a pillow between your knees. You can use the wedge or bolster if laying on your stomach.”
Although the DreamCloud Premier will provide sweet dreams for many sleepers, strict side sleepers may find this mattress too firm. If you fall into this category, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe or any other beds on our best mattresses for side sleepers. Also, given it’s higher price tag, couples on a budget may want to check out some of the options on our list of the best affordable mattresses.
Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Hip Pain
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
With its medically themed name, you probably aren’t surprised that the Saatva Rx is a luxury mattress designed specifically for sleepers with chronic joint pain. However, a claim is not enough for me to pick a bed as the best luxury mattress for hip pain. I needed to test it to make sure it hit the mark in pressure relief and support while also getting high scores in other performance categories. Considering the Rx got a 5 in materials and support and a 4.5 in pressure relief, it’s safe to say that this bed is the prescription hip pain sufferers need.
The high-quality Saatva Rx combines foam layers and innerspring coils that provide balanced support and pressure relief. Mattress tester Amelia Jerden said, “When I lie down on it, I got just enough of a lift to keep my spine neutrally aligned while also experiencing some deep pressure relief.” Our pressure map test, which creates color-coded thermal images to indicate where pressure builds up on the body, backed up Amelia’s feelings about pressure relief. These photos showed only blue and green, indicating little to no pressure when she was on her side and back.
The Rx’s upper foam layers contour around the hips, wrapping those with hip pain in comfort, while the sturdy coil base provides the support that leads to spinal alignment. This combination is paramount in relieving hip pain. Dr. Raj emphasized the importance of this combination for those with discomfort around their hips by saying, “Sleeping on a mattress without proper pressure relief and support can make your pain worse. If you want your mattress to mitigate pressure buildup, try a medium-firm to medium-soft bed that keeps your spine properly aligned throughout the night.”
The Saatva Rx has high scores in all of our performance evaluations, but lightweight side sleepers may find this bed too firm, leading to decreased pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. These sleepers may do better on the Nolah Evolution.
Given that the Saatva Rx and the Nolah Evolution are luxury mattresses with high-end price tags, you may also want to explore our best affordable mattresses.
WinkBeds Original – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Hip Pain
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
If you weigh over 230 pounds and have hip pain, you’ll want a solid mattress that balances its sturdy support with cushioning pressure relief. The WinkBed hits the mark in both of these categories.
This type of mattress is particularly good for heavier people with hip pain because the upper foam layers softly hug their joints while the heavy-duty steel coils give them extra support. We also recommend it due to its durable materials, solid support, and head-of-the-class pressure relief, with all of these categories ranking a 4.5.
In addition to being a strong bed, the WinkBed flexes its versatility muscles by offering several firmness options, including Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. These models benefit larger-bodied folks with hip pain, as they can pick the firmness that best suits their preferred sleeping position. From our testing, I think the Luxury Firm will be best for back sleepers. The Softer should hit the spot with side sleepers, and heavier stomach sleepers will likely find the Firmer model accommodates them best. I should also note that there’s the WinkBed Plus, which was built specifically for heavy sleepers. However, larger folks with hip pain should opt for one of the standard models since they’re a bit plusher and will provide more contouring.
Mattress tester Nichole Mondshein said, “The WinkBed is a solid choice for heavy back sleepers. It offers firm support that should keep them supported throughout the night.” Also, if you feel the cushiony softness of the Euro pillow top and worry that this bed will be too soft, let me put those fears aside. The sturdy pocketed coils and zoned support prevent excessive sinking without taking away from the bed’s abundant pressure relief. This was evident in the pressure maps, as we saw no high-pressure areas.
However, if you prefer the more slow-sinking feeling of traditional memory foam, check out our choices for the 10 best memory foam mattresses. Just note that we’d typically prefer a longer sleep trial period for a bed in this price range. Although 120 nights should give you plenty of time to decide if this bed is right for you, other luxury beds like Saatva give you a full year to determine if you want to keep your mattress.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Hip Pain
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average, but could still work for all three sleeping positions — a rare find among mattresses. It also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I really think the medium-firm model is a great fit for all sleeping positions. Yep, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of those unicorn mattresses that provides a great balance of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
If you’re a back sleeper with hip pain, you need a mattress that offers balanced support with enough cushioning to prevent pressure points. The Leesa Sapira Chill fits that bill for various body types in this category, and as its name suggests, it will also keep you cucumber cool. Not only was this mattress popular during testing, but it proved it also had some sustenance, earning a 4.3 for back pressure relief and a 4.5 in cooling.
My colleague, Riley Otis, fell hard for the Sapira Chill. She said, “I love this bed for back sleeping. It’s great because it offers a wonderful balance between pressure relief and support. I really enjoyed the feeling of the soft pillow top around my hips and shoulders.” She also said that despite the plush top, her hips didn’t dip, and her shoulders were kept in alignment.
Riley’s sentiments were echoed by our lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight pressure relief testers. This bed showed versatility by providing top-notch pressure relief for our petite tester, Asha Birjah, our average-weight tester, Erin Chiles, and our heavyweight tester, Caine Wilkes, with Asha declaring it “spinealicious.”
It also showed spectacular cooling. Riley used a thermal temperature gun to take an initial surface temperature that showed the bed at 68.1. She was markedly impressed to see that it had only risen five degrees when she took it again after lying on it.
“I was very impressed by the cooling abilities of the Leesa Sapira Chill,” Riley says. “The cover has a cool-to-the-touch feel that stayed the whole time I was lying on it. I didn’t notice the bed heating up, and I honestly think its name is pretty accurate — chill. I would for sure recommend this bed to hot sleepers. The gel-infused foam quilted into the pillow top was noticeably cool.”
However, even the most popular kid in school isn’t perfect. Riley found it difficult to easily move around on this bed. She said that despite its springy coils, the thick foam at the top hugged her body and prevented her from seamlessly rolling from one side to the other.
We also don’t think this is the best mattress for those with restless partners as Riley could feel a good bit of movement when she and a partner conducted the partner test. “I felt very disturbed when my testing partner switched sleeping positions, as the movement very clearly travelled to my side,” she said. “I felt like my body was being jostled around heavily, and I don’t think I would have been able to sleep through it.”
If you want a bed with better motion isolation, check out the Nolah Original or our best mattresses for couples roundup.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best for Seniors
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
As we age, we’re hit with changing sleep needs and a higher likelihood of developing joint aches and pains. This makes finding the right mattress fundamental for seniors who want to achieve better sleep and get soothing pain relief at the hips. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe could be a game changer for these folks, thanks to its 4.5 in pressure relief and flawless 5 in support.
Heavyweight product tester, Caine Wilkes was a fan of the Aurora Luxe’s support. He said, “My hips were elevated and my my spine felt aligned when I was on my back.” Caine’s assessment was confirmed by the pressure maps.
The pressure maps highlight that this bed is close to perfect for senior back sleepers with hip pain. These thermal images were almost all blue, indicating that next to no pressure was felt. We saw increased pressure around the tester’s shoulder on the Medium model. Therefore, side sleepers may want to consider the Aurora Luxe’s Soft option as we think a touch more softness will prevent more pressure for this group.
Dr. Joseph Tedesco relayed that as we age, we are more likely to develop arthritis, which can affect the kind of mattress that will serve best. He said that for those with arthritic hips, he recommends a mattress that’s soft enough to provide the give to position your leg and pelvis in a neutral position, yet firm enough to maintain the support.
This bed also performed well in responsiveness, the feature that makes it easier for sleepers to turn over, potentially alleviating the joint strain that comes with the effort of rolling over in a bed that isn’t very bouncy. Additionally, if older adults struggle to get in and out of bed quickly, the top-tier edge support of the Aurora Luxe could give them better mobility.
We are big fans of this bed, but we wish the manufacturer provided a better warranty. Although 10 years is a fairly standard warranty, mattresses like the DreamCloud Hybrid have a forever warranty. And although this mattress scored a 4 our of 5 in edge support, seniors with mobility issues may need even more. For more options and information on edge support and seniors-related information, check out our best mattresses for seniors.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best for Side Sleepers With Hip Pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Side sleepers put a lot of their weight directly on their hips, potentially increasing any existing pain. However, sleeping on a mattress with great support and pressure relief, like the Bear Elite Hybrid, can help melt your pain away. This bed was originally designed for athletes accustomed to sore muscles and joints, and it provides comforting pain relief, lumbar support, and proper spinal alignment. Its overall score was buoyed by a 4.5 in pressure relief, making it our top mattress for side sleepers with hip pain.
When product tester Nichole Mondshein tested the Soft model of this bed, she found that its copper-infused memory foam offered immediate body contouring, especially around the hips and shoulders, where side sleepers tend to experience the most pressure. She said, “As I sank into its foam layer, I could feel it hugging my body and relieving the discomfort from pressure buildup in these areas.”
I tested the Medium firmness option of the Bear Elite Hybrid, and loved how the plush pillow-top mellowed out the firmness and contoured around my side. This mattress also features a zoned comfort layer, which helps keep your spine in a neutral position by offering different firmness levels depending on where your body needs it most. This zoning helps keep your spine aligned and reduces the strain on your hips and lower back.
Dr. Tedesco was as enthusiastic about side sleepers choosing the Bear Elite as Nichole and I were, stating, “I would absolutely recommend this for anyone who sleeps on their side! The softness provides great contouring, but there is good firmness to still support you when you’re on your side. I don’t notice any pressure buildup at all.”
He did caution that larger-bodied people may sink into the layers more, causing them to feel more pressure. However, if you’re a side sleeper with hip pain who weighs between 130–230 pounds, you shouldn’t have to grin and bear your hip discomfort any longer when you sleep on this bed.
When you have a mattress specifically designed for a particular group, you can usually count on it being a little more expensive, and the Bear Elite Hybrid is no exception. However, side sleepers on a budget can keep it in the Bear family check out the Bear Original. Although this mattress uses CertiPUR-US Certified foams, if you’re in the market for an eco-friendly mattress, check out our picks for best organic mattress, for better choices.
Nolah Evolution – Best for Shoulder and Hip Pain
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
As a middle-aged CrossFitter and weightlifter with nagging shoulder and hip pain, I have spent a lot of time with my chiropractor — so much so that he reached out to check on me when I hadn’t been in for a couple of months. I was happy to report that I was feeling better than ever because I had finally taken my own sleep science coach’s advice and gotten a new mattress: the Nolah Evolution. This bed doesn’t have a single performance score lower than 4, and it comes in strong with a 4.5 in support and perfect 5 in pressure relief.
When I made a short list of the beds I considered buying, I kept returning to my notes and scores for the Evolution. I was initially drawn to its luxurious hotel bed feel. I wrote down “this bed slaps,” indicating my first reaction to the Evolution, all of which was backed up by our testing. Every performance test blew me away, but none more so than the pressure relief tests. The pressure maps showed blue with a smattering of green, indicating that little pressure was felt when I lay on the mattress in multiple sleep positions. The support layers also provided proper spinal alignment when I was on my back and side.
I’ve now been sleeping on this bed for close to a year, and I love it and appreciate it more today than the day I got it. It has helped alleviate pain from my nagging hip injury, and I can feel the tension and soreness I carry in my shoulders from typing and weightlifting. Mattress tester Ameilia Jerden is also a big fan. “The Nolah Evolution Hybrid is a rare gem that offers the best of both worlds,” she says. “If you suffer from hip and shoulder pain, I think this might be the bed for you.”
This versatile bed is offered in three firmness levels. I tested and own the Luxury Firm model, and while this version is great for side and sleepers with hip and shoulder pain, I don’t think it is firm enough for stomach sleepers. If this is your preferred sleeping position, you may be better suited to the Evolution’s Firm option. However, if you are a stomach sleeper who likes a softer bed, check out the Bear Elite Hybrid. Also, the Nolah Evolution is a bit of a splurge. For a more affordable mattress for stomach sleepers with hip and shoulder pain, check out the Titan Plus.
Titan Plus – Best for Stomach Sleepers With Hip Pain
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Although I’m primarily a side sleeper, I do occasionally like to turn over on my stomach. However, I sleep on a medium-firm bed to support my side-sleeping needs, and unfortunately, it isn’t firm enough to provide proper spinal alignment when I’m on my belly. Most stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their hips elevated so that they can achieve a neutral spinal alignment, but those with hip pain also need a bed that offers pressure-relieving contouring around their midsection. The Titan Plus, a mattress originally designed for those weighing over 230 pounds, scored a 4 in pressure relief and an impeccable 5 in support.
Our average-weight tester for this bed, Nichole Mondshein, noted that some sleepers in her weight class may find the Titan Plus a tad firm, but she appreciated how the supportive construction of the bed promotes a healthy alignment of their hips and spine. However, this mattress truly shines for heavyweight stomach sleepers. We called in a favor with Paulie, a professional powerlifter who weighs over 250 pounds, to be our heavyweight tester for this bed. He enjoyed how the Titan Plus kept him on top of the mattress with his hips and shoulders aligned. Additionally, Nichole said, “Based on the pressure maps, the Titan Plus should accommodate stomach sleepers with joint pain.”
However, given that this is a firm bed that was designed for heavyweight sleepers, it should come as no surprise that we don’t think this is a great mattress for lightweight sleepers. Lightweight stomach sleepers will have better sleep quality on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. Also, the construction of this mattress gives it a more “on top” of the mattress feeling. If you want a bed that embraces you, check out the Saatva Contour5. This is a great pick for stomach sleepers who like a more traditional foam feeling.
Other Mattresses I Considered
There are a lot of quality mattresses on the market today, but only a few can be considered the best of the best for hip pain. Although we love our picks, we also want to give three other worthy contenders a quick shoutout.
DreamCloud – I considered the DreamCloud for the “best mattress for couples” position, a title that ultimately went to the DreamCloud Premier. I liked that the DreamCloud is more affordable than the Premier while still having excellent support and pressure relief. Ultimately, I went with the higher-end version for this superlative because it performed better in motion isolation and support, which are two of the main factors for couples and those with hip pain.
Nolah Signature – I cut the Nolah Signature because, despite it being a soft mattress, I was concerned with the amount of pressure present on our tester’s side. The pressure map showed a good bit of deep yellow and even some red, colors associated with high pressure.
Bear Original – The Bear Original is a solid, affordable mattress. However, its 3.5 in support caused me to leave it on the cutting room floor. I don’t think those with hip pain will receive support to prevent discomfort.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses
We take our mattress recommendations personally. Our mattress experts and sleep science coaches personally evaluate the feel and construction of each bed that comes through our sleep lab. After our hands-on mattress assessments, we put each through extensive testing and assigned a grade according to our review methodology.
Hands-On Testing
Our Charlotte, NC testing facility contains stacks of mattresses. Although you may catch our team lounging in matching pajamas, don’t be fooled; we’re hard at work. Collectively, our dedicated product experts have tested and analyzed more than 300 mattresses for categories such as firmness, pressure relief, support, cooling, motion transfer, and more on a testing sheet.
Quantitative Data Collection
In addition to our subjective tests, we also collect quantitative data. We study the color-coded maps generated by our pressure mat to gauge the amount of pressure different body types experience when lying on a mattress. The testers also use a thermal gun to gauge how much a mattress heats up after someone has rested on it, allowing us to ascertain a bed’s cooling capabilities. We then test motion isolation by not only having two testers climb in and out of bed and record how much of their partner’s antics they can feel, but also by using a seismograph app to put numbers to how much movement ripples from one side of the bed to the other.
Performance Scores
Once our tests and evaluations have concluded, we assign a score from 1 to 5 for each performance category before averaging them out for an overall score. When picking mattresses for hip pain, we looked for beds that ranked highly in pressure relief, support, and materials.
Expert Consultation
Since sleep is closely related to our health and well-being, it is essential that, in addition to our extensive research and testing, we also consult healthcare professionals such as our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, quadruple board-certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, and Dr. Joseph Tedesco, DPT.
Dr. Dasgupta advises, “A good night’s rest should be a top priority of everyone. Without enough quality sleep, you can experience memory issues and have difficulty with cognitive functions. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease and worsen depression and anxiety, all of which can be detrimental to your health and quality of life.”
By performing hands-on testing and providing us with medically based feedback, Dr. Tedesco is an invaluable resource in helping us determine and pick our best mattresses. He provided some tips to help ease hip discomfort before going to bed:
- Try to alleviate any tension in your joints or muscles by doing gentle pelvic tilts to ease your body into a relaxed state.
- Performing pelvic clock exercises. These involve lying on your back with your knees bent and gently rolling the pelvis up, back, and in circles, which can help place your pelvis and femur in a more optimal position.
What to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Hip Pain
Hip pain can adversely affect your sleep quietly, which, in turn, can affect your overall quality of life. Sleeping on the right mattress can be an easy and effective way to treat your symptoms. However, we understand that deciding on a mattress to help your hip pain may feel overwhelming if you aren’t armed with the correct information. Please don’t worry. We spend hours and hours with an assortment of mattresses to bring you the necessary information to decide on the right one for you.
“Finding the right mattress is crucial for lessening your hip pain,” said Dr. Dasgupta. “If your bed isn’t supportive enough, has the wrong firmness level, or is made of low-quality materials, it can increase the pressure around your hips.”
Before adding a new mattress to your cart, you’ll want to consider a few key factors, including mattress type, your sleeping position, and firmness.
Mattress Type
We generally recommend memory foam mattresses for sleepers with hip pain. Memory foam is offered at various firmness levels, so you can find the one that makes you the most comfortable while still getting the contouring and support you need to help alleviate hip pain. The pressure relief capabilities of memory foam can also help sleepers with hip pain.
Memory Foam
As we mentioned, memory foam is a good option for people with hip pain, as it can offer the support, comfort, and contouring needed to help with hip pain at night. Memory foam is a polyurethane foam known for its plush, comfortable feel. When you think of memory foam, you might imagine an ultra-soft material with a lot of sinkage, but memory foam comes in a range of firmness options, from extra-soft to extra-firm.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress utilizes a steel coil core for durability and structure. It also adds memory foam, poly foam, and/or latex comfort layers for a satisfying balance of pressure relief and support. However, unlike innerspring mattresses, which are not typically recommended for hip pain sufferers because they lack contouring foam, many hybrid beds can be an excellent choice for hip pain sufferers. That’s because this style of mattress has cushioning foams in the upper layers that provide pressure relief. At the same time, the innerspring coils can give sleepers the spinal alignment needed to relieve hip pain.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are beds where most of the construction consists of pocketed coils. It’s one of the oldest mattress types, though today most modern brands don’t manufacture authentic innerspring mattresses without including at least some foam to relieve pressure. Although we don’t recommend traditional innerspring mattresses for hip pain, those with thick pillow tops or layers of foam that contour around your hip can aid in your pain relief.
Latex
Latex foam is a natural product made from rubber tree sap. Latex has a bouncier feel than memory foam and a quick response to pressure. The bounciness of latex may not make it an ideal option for sleepers with hip pain, but combination sleepers with hip pain might appreciate how easy it is to change positions on these mattresses. Also, latex is exceptionally cooling because it’s naturally breathable and porous. The breathability and the fact that it’s organic also make it an excellent choice for sleepers with allergies and those who prefer to make eco-friendly purchases.
Sleeping Position
Side Sleeping – Side sleeping may cause additional discomfort for those with hip pain. Those with hip issues may want to consider switching to back sleeping. However, if that isn’t possible, these sleepers should find a bed that relieves pressure around their hip with contouring foams while also being supportive enough to keep their spine aligned, like the medium firmness option of the Bear Elite Hybrid. For additional choices, you can also look at our best mattresses for side sleepers reviews.
Back Sleeping – Back sleeping is often recommended for people with hip pain because this position aligns the spine and helps the neck and head maintain a neutral position. Back sleeping also distributes body weight evenly and reduces pressure on the side and front of the hip joint. The right mattress for back sleepers with hip pain is typically a medium-firm model that cushions the hips and prevents gapping between the mattress and the lower back.
Stomach Sleeping – Stomach sleeping is known for putting stress on the neck and spine and is generally considered the least healthy of the sleep positions. As a general rule, stomach sleepers who experience hip pain should look for a firmer mattress that will support the spine and help prevent the kind of sinking of the torso that can lead to back pain. Heavier stomach sleepers typically do best with a very firm mattress that will help prevent poor spinal alignment and neck strain.
Combination Sleepers – Sleepers with hip pain who aren’t beholden to one particular position will need a bed that provides pressure relief and support to relieve their discomfort, but they’ll also want it to be responsive enough to easily move around. Latex is naturally bouncy and allows for easy repositioning. However, the unique feel of latex isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a fan of it, try a medium-firm hybrid mattress. If you want to explore your options further, check out our picks for combination sleepers.
Dr. Dasgupta said, “Combination sleepers are unique in that they need to find a bed that is comfortable and capable of maintaining spinal alignment in more than one position.”
Mattress Firmness
Firmness describes how a mattress feels when you lie down on it. A firmer mattress provides more pushback against the body and a more level sleeping surface. A softer mattress has increased sinkage and a cushiony feel. A medium-firm mattress offers a nice balance between pushback and cloud-like conformity.
Mattress firmness is an important factor for side sleepers with hip pain. A medium-soft model can help cradle the hips and relieve pressure without too much sinkage. Heavier side sleepers may need a medium-firm mattress that helps to prevent excessive sinkage and curvature of the spine. While firmness doesn’t always equate support, extra-soft mattresses are generally more hugging and contouring, whereas firm mattresses are usually more supportive.
At Sleepopolis, we test each mattress’s firmness and rate it on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The most common mattress firmness is 6.5, the mattress industry standard for a medium-firm mattress.
We generally recommend medium-firm mattresses for sleepers with hip pain. Anywhere between a 6 and 7.5 on our firmness scale should help you find a comfortable mattress that still lifts and supports your hips and spine. A medium-firm mattress will help you stay comfortable and contoured but can prevent sinkage that may not be good for your hip pain.
“An overly soft mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to a dip and discomfort in your hips,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “However, a mattress that is not soft enough won’t hug and support your hips as needed to relieve pressure. I recommend a medium-firm mattress as it maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly, and reduces pressure points in your hips.”
Support
Firmness and support might sound similar, but they describe different mattress characteristics. Both soft and firm mattresses can be supportive. Whereas firmness refers to the stiffness and pushback of the mattress surface, support refers to structural features that help keep the spine aligned and the neck in a neutral position. These features typically include steel coils and/or foam support layers. A supportive mattress also prevents excessive sinkage or “bottoming out” of the materials under body weight.
Support and spinal alignment are especially important for sleepers experiencing hip pain — an ailment that can be accentuated by poor support. When testing these mattresses, we looke for traits like zoned support, lifting properties, and the feeling of spinal and hip alignment.
For a mattress to be considered supportive, the spine has to remain aligned and in a neutral position, no matter the sleeper’s position. However, a softer mattress can also be supportive.
These mattresses will allow the bed to contour around you without feeling like you are stuck in your mattress. Stomach sleepers should pay special attention to support because they typically have a firmer bed to elevate their hips. If the midsection dips too far in the bed, it can put the spine at an awkward angle.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief describes the ability of a mattress to alleviate tension in problem areas such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back. To test each of our mattresses for pressure relief as it relates to hip pain, we use a specialized mat that we roll across the mattress. We then lie on it in various sleeping positions. The mat reads the pressure buildup on various parts of the body using thermal technology and gives us a color-coded digital “map” reading of those pressure points. Blue and green indicate low pressure buildup and good pressure relief, whereas red and yellow show poorer pressure relief.
For sleepers with hip pain, we recommend looking for a mattress that helps to alleviate pressure buildup around the hips and spine. A mattress that can help lift the hips and not build pressure around them may help alleviate some of the discomfort felt in that area when sleeping and during the day. Contouring foam comfort layers can also be essential for pressure relief, particularly if you suffer from chronic hip pain.
Body Type
Your body type plays a big part in how a mattress feels and performs for you. For example, firm beds can provide support, pressure relief, and spinal alignment for heavier bodies, whereas those on the lighter end of the scale will likely find a too-firm mattress to be uncomfortable because it creates pressure points. To find out how a mattress performs based on body type, we use three testers of different weight categories — lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight. Most mattresses are designed for average-weight sleepers, which we define as people weighing 130 to 230 pounds.
However, there are plenty of options for smaller and larger bodies. Heavier people with hip pain should check out the WinkBed, WinkBeds Original. Additionally, you can check out our best mattresses for heavy sleepers for more choices. Petite people with hip pain will usually want a mattress that is soft enough to offer cushioning and contouring that takes pressure off their pain points. For these sleepers, we recommend looking for foam mattresses that fall between 5 and 5.5 on the firmness scale.
- Lightweight Sleepers: < 130 pounds
- Average-weight Sleepers: 130–230 pounds
- Heavyweight Sleepers: > 230 pounds
Additional Considerations
Cooling – Your mattress’s ability to sleep cool can be crucial for dealing with pain. If you’re experiencing hip pain, waking up during the night might already be an issue for you, so you want to be sure you are not also awakened by overheating. Ensuring that your mattress can regulate its temperature to keep you comfortable throughout the night is important for this reason.
Motion Isolation – You may find yourself waking up often due to hip pain, and a bed with poor motion isolation may only make that worse. Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement that can be felt across the bed. This is an essential consideration if you sleep with a partner or pets, as their movements could keep you up all night on a mattress with poor motion isolation.
FAQs
Can your mattress cause hip pain?
Absolutely. A mattress that is too firm or worn out to provide adequate pressure relief can cause hip pain to develop during the night.
Is memory foam good for hip pain?
In general, yes. If a mattress has a thick layer of quality memory foam on top, you’ll be able to sink into the bed and enjoy some pressure relief around the hip. That said, it’s important to look for a mattress that provides adequate spinal support so your hips and spine don’t get misaligned.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for hip pain?
Medium-firm mattresses are generally the best option for sleepers with hip pain. While firmness does not equate to support, a medium-firm mattress will generally offer enough support around the hips and lower back while still being contouring enough to help you get a good night’s sleep, even with hip pain.
How will I know if my mattress is contributing to my hip pain?
Your mattress may be contributing to your hip discomfort if you feel stiff and achy in the mornings or wake up during the night in pain. You may notice that you sleep better when away from home or in a different bed. If your hip pain begins after the purchase of a new mattress, it may be due to pressure from excessively firm materials or poor spinal alignment.
Sources
- Christmas C, Crespo CJ, Franckowiak SC, Bathon JM, Bartlett SJ, Andersen RE, How common is hip pain among older adults? Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, The Journal of Family Practice, April 5, 2002
- Treede, RD et al., A classification of chronic pain for ICD-11, Pain, June, 2015
- Krati Chauhan; Jagmohan S., Rheumatoid Arthritis, StatPearls, February 26, 2020
- Eberhardt K, Fex E, Johnsson K, Geborek P., Hip involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, January, 1995
- J. A. Robertson et al., Sleep disturbance in patients taking opioid medication for chronic back pain, Anaesthesia, November, 2016
