Restful sleep is crucial for optimal health and quality of life. But if you have orthopedic pain, a good night’s slumber can be elusive, particularly if you’re sleeping on the wrong mattress. While some mattresses can exacerbate pressure points and stiffness, others can help relieve discomfort and cradle aching muscles and joints. If you suffer from hip pain, your choice of mattress is crucial to comfort and improved sleep.
So, how do you pick a model that will ease your pain and provide much-needed pressure relief? Despite the abundance of options, finding a great mattress doesn’t have to be confusing. I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, from understanding how hip pain can impact sleep to selecting a mattress that helps to mitigate discomfort and promote better slumber.
Best Mattresses for Hip Pain
- Editor’s Pick – Loom & Leaf
- Best Pillow Top Mattress for Hip Pain – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best Mattress for Back and Hip Pain – Casper Wave Hybrid
- Best for Back Sleepers with Hip Pain – DreamCloud
- Best Hybrid Mattress For Hip Pain – Leesa Hybrid
- Best for Shoulder and Hip Pain – GhostBed Luxe
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for Hip Pain – Bear Pro
- Best Value Mattress for Hip Pain – Nectar
- Best for Arthritis – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora
- Best for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain – Puffy Royal
Note: The content on Sleepopolis is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice and supervision from a trained professional. If you feel you may be suffering from any sleep disorder or medical condition, please see your healthcare provider immediately.
Why I Picked These Mattresses
I wouldn’t expect you to take those selections at face value, so read on to find out why each of these mattresses made the list!
Editor’s Pick
Loom & Leaf
The Loom & Leaf is Saatva’s memory foam bed. Like all Saatva mattresses, it’s made with the highest quality materials, including an organic cotton cover and thick layers of memory foam. It comes in two firmness options: Relaxed Firm and Firm — I recommend the Relaxed Firm version for those who suffer from hip and shoulder pain. The Relaxed Firm Loom & Leaf has a soft, gentle feel that’s ideal for sleepers with pain — it will cradle sensitive areas and offer some much-needed pressure relief.
Another great thing about the Loom & Leaf is that it doesn’t trap heat like traditional memory foam mattresses. Its cotton cover is super breathable, and its top layer of gel-infused memory foam sleeps nice and cool.
Learn more in my full Loom & Leaf mattress review.
Best Pillow Top Mattress for Hip Pain
Helix Midnight Luxe
Enjoy relief from hip pain with a bed from the Helix Luxe line of mattresses, the Helix Midnight Luxe. This mattress has a medium-firm feel that’s gentle enough for those with hip pain, and it features a pillow top that should provide plenty of comfort for different sleeping positions.
This hybrid mattress also offers strong support thanks to pocketed coils. This support is zoned to be softer around the shoulder and firmer around the hip, keeping the hips elevated with the spine and promoting healthy spinal alignment. The coils also give the beds some bounce and mobility, which will appeal to folks who like to move around easily on top of their mattress.
Have your heart set on a Helix Luxe? Learn more about this mattress in our full review.
Whether you choose the standard or luxe edition, Helix mattresses have something to offer every style of sleeper!
Best Mattress for Back/Hip Pain
Casper Wave Hybrid
Hip pain and back pain often go hand in hand, and the Casper Wave Hybrid might help you find relief from both. How are these aches related? When you’re experiencing hip pain, you might contort yourself into strange sleeping positions that throw the spine out of whack and lead to achiness. If you’re among the many folks who find their hip pain branching into back pain, consider the Casper Wave Hybrid.
This hybrid mattress has a soft feel overall, which allows for some general pressure relief. It also has a zoned support system to promote healthy spinal alignment. The mattress offers extra support at the hips to keep them elevated and aligned with the spine, and it’s softer at the shoulders to prevent that “jammed up” feeling that can occur on firm mattresses. Thanks to this balance of comfort and support, I like the Wave for back and side sleepers (or combo sleepers who switch between these two positions).
Could this mattress be right for you? Learn more in our comprehensive Casper Wave Hybrid review.
Using layers of soft foams for incredible pressure relief combined with pocketed coils for bounce and support, the Casper Wave Hybrid is a great choice for those looking for a plush luxurious feel.
Best for Back Sleepers with Hip Pain
DreamCloud
Though many different types of sleepers experience hip pain at night, one of the groups most affected by it are back sleepers. Why? Well, these folks press into the mattress all night long, and if the hips are even slightly out of line, it can put a real strain on the spine and other areas of the body. To alleviate this tension, these dreamers need a bed that’s as pressure-relieving as it is supportive. In short, they need the DreamCloud mattress.
This hybrid mattress strikes a nice balance between pressure relief and support. After settling into bed, hip pain sufferers are likely to find that their hips, shoulders, and lower back are gently cushioned by its top layer of memory foam. They may also discover that their spine has been lifted into a healthy, neutral alignment, thanks to the sturdy pocketed coil system in the bed’s core.
Want to learn more? Then read my full DreamCloud mattress review.
This tall hybrid mattress combines foams with pocketed coils for a luxuriously supportive sleeping experience.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Hip Pain
Leesa Hybrid
One of the biggest reasons that someone’s mattress can cause hip pain is because their mattress is putting too much firm pressure on their hips. Side sleepers especially need to be careful of this because they’re centering their weight over a smaller area. The Leesa Hybrid is a great bed in a box option that combines soft pressure relieving foams with coil support to offer a lot of pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.
Overall I would say the Leesa Hybrid has a medium soft feel, making it a nice choice not only for side sleepers, but for back sleepers as well. I was also really impressed with this Leesa’s ability to isolate motion, so it could also be a great choice for couples.
Read our full Leesa Hybrid review for more information
Thick layers of foam and pocketed coils come together to offer sleepers the perfect hotel-bed feel.
Best for Shoulder and Hip Pain
GhostBed Luxe
Unfortunately, pain is not always concentrated in one area of our bodies. If you find your stubborn hip pain paired with concerns of shoulder pain while you sleep, I may have found the mattress for you: the GhostBed Luxe.
This mattress is a medium-firm all-foam bed (6.5/10 on the firmness scale). I really like this mattress for strict back and side sleepers with pain concerns because it will keep everything in line and has foam layers that will allow some cushion where needed. If you are a strict stomach sleeper you may find that your hips sink a bit, which can cause you to wake up with a sore lower back.
Interested to learn more? Check out my full GhostBed Luxe mattress review.
The GhostBed Luxe is a medium-firm mattress that is great for both side sleepers and back sleepers.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Hip Pain
Bear Pro
The all-foam Bear Pro lets sleepers sink into the bed and enjoy some nice pressure relief around the hip. How does the mattress achieve this cozy feel? Both the comfort and contour layers utilize memory foam to provide a ton of comfort and body-contouring. Side sleepers might be especially fond of this construction, which is gentle and pressure-relieving around the hip and shoulder.
Memory foam has a slight reputation for trapping body heat, so you might be wondering if sinking into the Bear Pro will lead to overheating. The folks at Bear thought about this too, and included several features to defend against the problem, including: a cooling copper infusion in the memory foam top layer and a breathable cover made of all-natural Celliant. So, if you want to sleep on pressure-relieving memory foam without overheating, consider the Bear Pro.
Could the Bear Pro be the bed for you? Find out in our detailed review.
The Bear Pro is a great all foam option for side sleepers looking for plush comfort!
Best Value Mattress for Hip Pain
Nectar
The main thing you want to avoid when you have hip pain is having a mattress that your hips dig into, especially if you sleep on your side. The Nectar mattress is an all-foam, bed-in-a-box mattress that lets side sleepers sink deeply into the mattress to enjoy plenty of body-contouring and pressure relief.
I found the Nectar to be a medium firm feel, making it ideal for side sleepers to sink into, but can also provide some stomach and back sleepers with support in the hips. It is soft on top, but then it has firmer foam layers (including a 6” foundation layer of high-density polyfoam). This creates a balanced feel and also helps keep the hips aligned with the spine, which contributes to healthy spinal alignment (and less hip pain!). The Nectar offers a 365-day trial, so you’ve got plenty of time to test out whether it’s the bed for you.
Looking for a bargain? Read my Nectar mattress review to learn more.
Sleepers will sink deep into the Nectar mattress for some soothing pressure relief, something that side sleepers will particularly appreciate! Click here to get $399 of free accessories with every mattress purchase!
Best for Arthritis
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora
The Brooklyn Aurora could have been given a few different superlatives. Best cooling, best for pressure relief, and best body contour to name a few. I settled on the best for arthritis because all of these qualities work together to create a mattress that can handle even the most sensitive parts of the body for a great night’s sleep.
The stand out feature of this mattress is its cooling abilities. You will notice it right off the bat when you touch the cover is icy cool. The Aurora is right around a 5 on the firmness scale, making it a relatively soft mattress. However, the pocketed coils at the base will keep you supported at night depending on your sleeping position. If arthritis pain is your main concern when shopping for a mattress I recommend this mattress for side sleepers or lightweight back sleepers.
Looking for some relief from arthritis pain? Check out my full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora review to learn more.
A stand out feature of this bed is its ability to sleep extra cool at night, which could be a plus for sweaty sleepers!
Best for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
Puffy Royal
If you’re a side sleeper with hip pain, it’s even more important to find the right mattress for you since you’ll be putting pressure on your hip every night when you sleep. You need a bed that’s going to cradle your hips and shoulders, and provide some much-needed pressure relief. Cue the Puffy Royal.
The Puffy Royal is a medium-firm all-foam bed that is made with a luxurious 14-inch profile. It has thick layers of memory foam and other comfort foams, as well as a zoned support layer, which is softer at the shoulders and slightly firmer around the hips, which helps provide some ergonomic support while side sleeping.
Interested in this luxurious bed? Read more in my full Puffy Royal mattress review.
The Puffy Royal uses thick layers of soft foams to provide the pressure relief that side sleepers need to avoid shoulder pain.
Hip Pain: Common Symptoms and Causes
The hip is one of the most important joints in the body, and one of the most common sources of pain. Hip pain impacts more than 22 million Americans, including 14.3% of adults aged 60 and over. (1) Pain in the hip is often described as stabbing, shooting, achy, tight, or stiff. Pain may also radiate to other parts of the body such as the knee and back. Hip pain is considered chronic when it persists for longer than 3-6 months. (2)
Common causes of hip pain
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – OA is characterized by wearing away of the cartilage that protects the end of bones, inflammation, and changes in the tendons and ligaments. In addition to pain and stiffness, OA of the hip may cause decreased range of motion. OA is most common in older adults but can also occur in younger people.
- Other forms of arthritis – Hip pain can be caused by other forms of arthritis, as well. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children 16 years or younger. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. (3) Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some sufferers of psoriasis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease. If you have any of these types, you may want to check out our Best Mattress for Arthritis list to get some relief.
- Injuries, falls, and fractures – Athletic injuries, sprains, and falls are common causes of hip pain. Hip fractures can result in chronic pain and occur most frequently in older adults.
- Overuse – Hip pain can occur because of overuse of the joint, repetitive motion such as running, or stress on ligaments and tendons.
- Autoimmune diseases – Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are well-known causes of hip pain. (4) The immune system can cause pain by attacking healthy tissue, including the lining of joints.
- Bursitis and tendinitis – Inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, known as bursitis, can result in temporary or chronic pain. Tendinitis is irritation or inflammation of the tendon and can occur in any joint.
- Excessive weight – Being overweight or obese is a common cause of hip and other joint pain. Additional body weight can increase strain on the joint structure, increasing the risk of injury and discomfort.
Hip Pain and Sleep
Chronic pain is one of the most common causes of insomnia and other sleep disturbances. Pain may flare at night or make falling and staying asleep more difficult. Pain medications can also have side effects that disrupt or change sleep, and may not be as effective in people who are sleep-deprived. (5)
Pain-related sleep loss can result in a number of negative physical and mental effects, including:
- Feeling tired and/or groggy
- Anxiety or depression
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Diminished work performance
- Reduced coordination
Poor sleep can also heighten the brain’s perception of pain, worsening hip discomfort and making restful slumber even more difficult. So how can you get healthy sleep if you suffer from hip pain? Medical treatment is important, of course, but sleep position and choice of mattress are key for many people. Let’s take a look at how both of these factors can affect slumber and hip pain.
Choosing a Mattress for Hip Pain
The right mattress can make a significant difference for folks with hip pain. When shopping for a model that can help to maximize comfort, keep a few terms in mind: firmness, support, and pressure relief. These terms are crucial for mattress buyers, particularly those who experience orthopedic pain.
Firmness
Mattress firmness is rated on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. 6.5 is the mattress industry standard for medium firmness. Firmness describes how a mattress feels when you lie down on it. A firmer mattress provides more push-back against the body and has a more level sleeping surface. A softer mattress has increased sinkage and a cushiony feel. A medium firm mattress offers a balance between push-back and cloud-like conformity. Take a look at our best firm mattress roundup to find the best one for you!
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 push-back 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.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief describes the ability of a mattress to alleviate tension in problem areas such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back. A mattress that provides pressure relief is important for people who sleep on their sides or experience joint or neck issues. Contouring foam comfort layers can be essential for pressure relief, particularly if you suffer from chronic hip or shoulder pain.
Hip Pain and Sleep Position
Now that we’ve chatted about basic mattress terms, let’s look at another key element of choosing the right mattress: sleep position. Sleep position can have a profound effect on the joints and spine. Even healthy joints can be strained by a sleeping position that causes poor spinal alignment or orthopedic stress. Each position has benefits and drawbacks that can affect the sleep and comfort of hip pain sufferers.
Side sleeping
Side sleeping is the most popular of all sleep positions and is the choice of 41% of people. Sleeping may occur on either side and take place in a fetal-type position or with one or both legs down.
- Pros: Sleeping on your side can keep the tongue and throat muscles from falling into the throat and causing snoring or sleep apnea. Left side sleeping can also reduce acid reflux by preventing acid from flowing into the esophagus.
- Cons: Side-sleeping can cause shoulder, arm, and/or hip pain due to pressure from the mattress and poor spinal alignment. Pressure on the jaw from sleeping on your side against a pillow or mattress may result in jaw pain. If you tend to feel like this, I recommend taking a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers reviews.
Mattress firmness is an important factor for side sleepers with hip pain. A medium-soft model can help cradle the hips and provide pressure relief without too much sinkage. Heavier side-sleepers may need a medium-firm mattress that helps to prevent excessive sinkage and curvature of the spine.
Back sleeping
While only 14% of people sleep on their backs, back-sleeping may be the healthiest of all sleeping positions. Back sleeping is often recommended for people with orthopedic conditions or after certain types of joint surgery.
- Pros: Sleeping on the back aligns the spine and helps the neck and head maintain a neutral position. Back sleeping also distributes body weight evenly and minimizes tension on pressure points. Sleeping on the back can help reduce pressure on the side and front of the hip joint, which may be helpful for many folks who experience hip pain.
- Cons: Back sleeping can allow the tongue to fall back into the throat, blocking the airway and causing snoring and sleep apnea. Back sleeping can also feel uncomfortable or awkward to some folks, who may have difficulty sleeping in this position for extended periods of time.
Sleeping on the back is often the position of choice for folks with hip pain, who may experience greater pain relief and improved spinal alignment. 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 lower back. If you’re on the heavier side, a slightly firmer mattress can prevent too much sinkage that may aggravate orthopedic pain.
Stomach sleeping
About 16% of folks sleep on their stomachs. Stomach sleeping is known for putting stress on the neck and spine and is generally considered the least healthy of the sleep positions.
- Pros: Sleeping on the stomach can keep the tongue from blocking the airway and reduce the risk of snoring and sleep apnea. Folks who experience hip pain when lying on their sides may prefer to sleep on their stomachs but should be aware that the position can cause poor spinal alignment.
- Cons: Stomach sleeping can cause poor head and back alignment and counteract the natural curve of the spine. This can lead to muscle and joint pain during sleep and waking hours.
As a general rule, stomach sleepers who experience hip pain should look for a firmer mattress that will support the spine and help prevent sinking of the torso to avoid back pain. Heavier stomach sleepers typically do best with a very firm mattress that will help prevent poor spinal alignment and neck strain.
If you also tend to suffer from back pain, I recommend taking a look at our best mattress for back pain 2021 round up.
Mattress Types
Now that we’ve discussed sleep positions and their potential effect on hip pain, let’s look at the pros and cons of the most common types of mattresses. Most of these types of mattresses are widely available in stores, online, and as bed-in-a-box models.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam known for its plush, comfortable feel. Memory foam comes in a range of firmness options, from extra soft to extra firm.
Pros:
- Memory foam responds to pressure and body heat, and is touted for its ability to relieve pressure and conform to the body. This can be a great feature for hip pain sufferers, especially those who sleep on their sides.
- The absorptive quality of the material decreases motion transfer, making it a good option for partners who share a bed.
- Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly affordable as their popularity and use have increased.
Cons:
- Older and less expensive forms of memory foam can retain body heat and “sleep hot.” This is less likely with newer forms such as those infused with gel and copper.
- Less edge support can cause sloping or poor spinal alignment for folks with hip pain who sleep close to the edge of the mattress.
- Memory foam mattresses may not offer enough support or durability for some sleepers, particularly those who weigh more than 225 pounds.
Latex
Latex foam is a natural product made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex has a bouncier feel than memory foam and has a quick response to pressure.
Pros:
- The naturally airy structure of latex means that it ventilates better and sleeps cooler than some memory foams.
- Latex is a great option for hip pain sufferers who prefer natural mattress materials.
- Stomach sleepers with hip pain may prefer latex, which feels more buoyant and sinks less than other types of foam.
- Comfort layers made from latex can be a good choice for heavier sleepers who sink through memory or poly foam.
Cons:
- Latex transfers more motion than memory foam, so bed mates may feel each others’ tossing and turning at night.
- The material doesn’t hug the body like memory and poly foams and may feel less comfortable for hip pain sufferers.
- Latex is typically a bit pricier than other foams and hybrid mattresses.
Poly Foam
Poly foam is made from a type of polyurethane that lacks the viscoelastic properties of memory foam. Poly foam has a quick response to pressure and is typically used to complement memory foam or latex.
Pros:
- Poly foam can offer pressure relief to hip pain sufferers when used as a comfort layer.
- The material can feel light and airy, which may be helpful for folks with hip pain who sleep hot.
- Poly foam is generally one of the more affordable materials used in mattresses, particularly as a comfort and/or support layer.
Cons:
- Less expensive types of poly foam may degrade quickly, often within a few years of use.
- Poly foam can feel less responsive and plush than memory foam, which offers more of a conforming “hug.”
- When new, poly foam can have a strong smell that may take time to go away.
Hybrid
Like an innerspring mattress, a hybrid utilizes a steel coil core for durability and structure but adds memory foam, poly foam, and/or latex comfort layers for a satisfying balance of pressure relief and support. Innerspring mattresses are not typically recommended for hip pain sufferers, who tend to sleep best on conforming comfort layers that cradle the joints and muscles.
Pros:
- Hybrid mattresses typically contain pocketed coils, which are quieter and transfer less motion than traditional innersprings.
- The foam comfort layers of a hybrid mattress can offer plush pressure relief for hip pain sufferers, especially in softer models that utilize memory foam.
- Hybrid mattresses may be cooler than all-foam models and can be a good choice for hip pain sufferers who sleep warm at night.
Cons:
- The coil structure of a hybrid mattress may transfer motion, making it feel bouncier and more disturbing to a bed partner.
- Hybrid mattresses may be heavier and more difficult to move.
- Less expensive hybrids may not be as durable as those made from pricier materials such as low-gauge steel coils and cooler forms of memory foam.
FAQs
Can hip pain be caused by a bad mattress?
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, it should allow you to sink into the bed and enjoy some pressure relief around the hip. That said, it’s also 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?
Soft mattresses are generally better at relieving hip pain. As a general rule, firm mattresses put too much pressure on the shoulders and hips. Softer mattresses allow for some sinkage into the mattress, which can provide pressure relief in these sensitive areas.
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.
Recap: The Best Mattresses for Hip Pain of 2021
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loom & Leaf | Editor's Pick | $1,799 | Loom & Leaf Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Pillow-top | $1,949 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| DreamCloud | Back Sleepers | $1,199 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Casper Wave Hybrid | Back & Hip Pain | $2,695 | Casper Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Leesa Hybrid | Hybrid | $1,799 | Leesa Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| GhostBed Luxe | Hip & Shoulder Pain | $2,245 | Ghostbed Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Bear Pro | Memory Foam | $1,295 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Nectar | Value | $1,198 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora | Arthritis | $1,749 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review! |
| Puffy Royal | Side Sleepers | $2,699 | Puffy Coupon | Read Our Review! |
References
- 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
