- Brand rating: 9.7/10
- Price: $1,395–$2,990
- Material: Innerspring
- Firmness: Medium
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free white-glove delivery
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, California split king
- Mattress height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches (″)
Best Mattress for Hip Pain in 2024: A Complete Guide
Aches and pains are a fact of life, but if you’re waking up with more pain than normal, you might want to start looking for a new mattress. While back pain is a common complaint, if you’re a side sleeper or have chronic conditions, like osteoarthritisⓘ Arthritis Foundation. Hip Pain at Night , hip pain may be causing additional soreness in the mornings.
Our Reviews Team spoke with physical therapists, who told us the best mattresses for hip pain balance firm lumbar support with gentle pressure relief. Additionally, these mattresses should be easy to push against when changing positions, have a stable and supportive edge, and be high enough to allow a person’s hips to remain above the knees while sitting. After evaluating and testing more than 20 mattresses, we chose the top eight that excel in these categories—starting with the Saatva Classic.
Best Mattress for Hip Pain Overall
The Saatva Classic is our overall pick for “Best Mattress for Hip Pain,” due to its sturdy, supportive surface that alleviates pressure and is easy to push against when changing positions. Its firm edge also offers stability whether you’re sitting or lying down.
Best mattress for hip pain in 2024
- Saatva Classic: Best Overall for Hip Pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
- Saatva Solaire: Best for Hip Pain and Sciatica
- The WinkBed: Best for Lower Back and Hip Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for Hip and Back Pain
- Titan Plus: Best for Heavy People with Hip Pain
- Nolah Evolution: Best for Older Adults With Hip Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best for Side Sleepers With Shoulder and Hip Pain
Compare the best mattresses for hip pain as of May 2024
Saatva Classic
Check Price
|
Helix Midnight Luxe
Check Price
|
Saatva Solaire
Check Price
|
The WinkBed
Check Price
|
Bear Elite Hybrid
Check Price
|
Titan Plus
Check Price
|
Nolah Evolution
Check Price
|
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Check Price
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queen cost before discounts | $2,095 | $2,373 | $4,495 | $1,799 | $2,305 | $1,249 | $2,499 | $1865 |
Firmness | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Medium | 50 firmness settings | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Soft, medium, firm | Extra-firm | Plush, luxury firm, firm, comfort plus | Soft, medium, firm |
Mattress type | Innerspring | Hybrid | Adjustable air | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Height | 11.5 or 14.5 inches | 13.5 inches | 13 inches | 13.5 inches | 14 inches | 11.25 inches | 15 inches | 13.25 inches |
White-glove delivery* | Yes, free | No | Yes, free | No | Yes, starting at $100 | No | Yes, through a third party | No |
*Free shipping and installation of new mattress and free removal of old mattress
Best mattresses for hip pain in 2024, reviewed by experts
Saatva Classic: Best Overall Mattress for Hip Pain
Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress
The Saatva Classic is our choice for “Best Overall Mattress for Hip Pain” because of its exceptional pressure relief, support, and responsiveness. It’s available in two heights and three firmness options, allowing you to choose features that support your unique body. For this review, we tested the luxury firm, which is a medium-firm mattress.
A supportive mattress is a must-have for hip pain. “A well-supported spine can help surrounding muscles to relax, which can ease tension and pain,” said Nicole Hernandez, a physical therapist based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a member of our Reviews Team. Out of all the mattresses we’ve tested so far, the Saatva Classic does the best job conforming to the tester’s body for evenly distributed support. This mattress is also easy to push against when changing positions, reducing the amount of effort required to find comfort.
Our Saatva Classic tests also showed good pressure relief in the hip area for back and side sleepers. Pressure can build if the mattress is too firm under pressure points, like the hips and shoulders. On the other hand, if the mattress is too soft, your hips can sink too low and move your spine out of alignment, putting further strain on the pelvis and back. To strike a balance, some mattresses, like the Saatva Classic, are firmer under the lower back and softer near the hips and shoulders.
The edge of this mattress is firm, stable, and easy to push against when standing. It doesn’t sag or slope when someone sits on it, so you shouldn’t have to work hard to steady yourself as you get in and out of bed. Hernandez recommended people with hip pain choose a mattress that’s high enough for the hips to remain above the knees when sitting. To make this easier, select the Saatva Classic in the height that works best for you (11.5 inches or 14.5 inches), bearing in mind your current bed frame’s measurement.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Any type of sleeper (plush soft, luxury firm, and firm comfort levels available)
- People who need a responsive bed with good edge support for easy mobility
- Sleepers with lower back pain who need extra support in the lumbar area
- Shoppers who would like delivery right to the bedroom
Who may want to avoid it
- Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Soft Mattress for Hip Pain
Our expert take on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress
With a firmness rating of 5.5 out of 10, the Helix Midnight Luxe is one of the softest mattresses we’ve tested and the softest on this list. Its pressure-relieving material and good edge support may benefit people with hip pain.
When it comes to choosing a soft versus firm mattress for hip pain, there’s no rule of thumb. “Most people find semi-firm mattresses the best [for hip pain], but this is completely subjective,” said Caryn McAllister, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at High Quality Home Therapy in Stamford, Connecticut.
The same is true for sleeping positions—there’s no one way to sleep to relieve hip pain. “The best sleeping position for hip pain is the position that allows the person with hip pain to feel comfy and get uninterrupted sleep for eight hours, which allows the body to reset and heal,” she said.
The Helix Midnight Luxe strikes a hard-to-find balance between cradling comfort and spinal support. Our testers felt “deeply hugged” because they sank into the plush pillow top. Their spines stayed in a neutral position, though, and their body weight was evenly distributed—factors contributing to its excellent support and pressure relief scores.
The Helix Midnight Luxe also stands out thanks to its supportive edge, which kept our testers in a stable sitting position. “I wouldn’t recommend a sagging mattress because one would tend to fall into a posterior pelvic tilt and not sit upright on their base of support,” said Tamar Amitay, PT, a physical therapist at Thrive Integrated Physical Therapy in New York City. The hip and back muscles can become overworked or pinched when a person sits on an unsupportive mattress, and Amitay noted that “it’s critical to your safety to have a strong, stable mattress at a height that lessens the risk of falling or reinjury.” Based on our testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe offers a balance of support with a gentle cradle. Just make sure its 13.5-inch height allows you to keep your feet flat on the floor and your hips slightly above your knees.
Unfortunately, the Helix Midnight Luxe didn’t demonstrate any cooling abilities and performed poorly during motion isolation tests. “I could definitely feel the other person moving, and I felt like I dipped toward them in the center as well,” one tester reported.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Lower-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers in any sleeping position
- People who want to pair a mattress with an adjustable base
- Sleepers who switch positions throughout the night
- Those who need a strong edge for sleeping or safely getting in and out of bed
Who may want to avoid it
- Light sleepers who are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements
- Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) sleepers
- Hot sleepers who need high-performance cooling materials
Saatva Solaire: Best for Hip Pain and Sciatica
Our expert take on the Saatva Solaire mattress
With the Saatva Solaire, you can change your firmness settings, which could be helpful during a sciatica flare-up. Couples with different firmness needs should consider the split king or split California king, so each person can adjust their side to their preference.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is under pressureⓘ Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School. Sciatica. March 23, 2023 due to tight muscles, bone spurs, herniated discs, and more. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the feet, so a flare-up can cause pain throughout this area—including the hips. Finding a comfortable position is crucial for relieving sciatic pain and getting a good night’s sleep, and what works during one sciatica episode may not work during the next if more than one nerve root is susceptible to pressure.
That’s why we chose a customizable mattress as the “Best for Hip Pain and Sciatica.” The Saatva Solaire uses air chambers to make the mattress feel softer or firmer at the touch of a button, while layers of latex and memory foam provide critical support. With 50 settings to choose from, you can select whatever feels best at the moment.
The Saatva Solaire may help provide more relief when paired with an adjustable base because you can raise or lower your feet to help the hip and back muscles relax. It’s similar to putting a pillow under your knees, but you don’t have to make painful movements to adjust the pillow and find that sweet spot. “This could be a real help to those who are less mobile as pain relief could be just a few button clicks away on this type of bed,” said Amitay. “It makes it much easier to achieve some of the positions one needs to relieve hip pain.”
The firmness setting dictates how easy it will be to change positions on the Saatva Solaire, with softer settings requiring more effort to change positions. You may need to increase the firmness before moving so you don’t put excess pressure on your hips or lower back.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- People who need different firmness settings to alleviate real-time pain and pressure
- Partners with different sleep preferences
- Shoppers who would like delivery right to the bedroom
Who may want to avoid it
- People sticking to a budget—look for promotions to avoid paying full price
The WinkBed: Best for Lower Back Pain and Hip Pain
Our expert take on the WinkBed mattress
Thanks to reinforced materials in the lumbar, hip, and thigh regions, The WinkBed demonstrated good all-around performance in our testing categories, making it a good option for people with lower back and hip pain. It also comes in four firmness levels (softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus) to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the night. Note: Our team tested the luxury firm, which is considered medium by industry standards.
While testing, we found this bed conformed to the body and did a good job supporting the spine and relieving pressure in both the back and side sleeping positions. It also showed promise as a suitable mattress for hot sleepers, as our temperature gun recorded only a 6-degree difference after our tester lay on the mattress for five minutes. Generally, we consider a temperature reading less than 10 as good cooling.
Our Reviews Team also thinks this mattress is ideal for couples because of good motion isolation, a feature that can be difficult to find in mattresses with coils. Testers said a glass of water barely moved when they moved around on the other side of the mattress.
This mattress has sturdy edges near the center of the bed, but the corners are prone to collapse. It isn’t a good mattress for people who tend to hug the edge while sleeping or need more stability when getting out of bed in the morning. While lying on the edge of The WinkBed, one Reviews Team tester described an “edge support drop-off about an inch or two away from the edge.”
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Most sleeper types looking for multiple options
- Sleepers with lower back pain who need extra support in the lumbar area
- People who need a responsive bed with good edge support for easy mobility
- Couples who don’t want to wake their partner when moving or getting up at night
Who may want to avoid it
- Memory foam lovers
- People who need more stability in an edge when getting out of bed
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for Hip and Back Pain
Our expert take on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses stronger coils in the lumbar region for extra support, which can help keep the spine in a neutral position for pain relief. It also demonstrated excellent pressure relief for back sleepers during testing, earning it the title “Best Mattress for Back Pain” that isn’t isolated to the lower back.
The Bear Elite Hybrid excels at relieving pressure and evenly distributing weight in any sleeping position. Our testers felt well-supported by this mattress because it conformed to their bodies without allowing their hips or shoulders to sag. One tester said the mattress “gently hugs my back instead of firmly pushing against it.”
At 14 inches high, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a good choice if you want a taller mattress while sitting on the edge of the bed. “Mattress height matters a lot,” said McAllister. “The general rule of thumb is if the hips are below the knees when sitting, it’s harder to get up.”
If you’re tall or have a low bed frame, a taller mattress like the Bear Elite Hybrid could be exactly what you need. On the other hand, make sure the total height of your mattress and bed frame doesn’t require you to climb into bed, which can be painful and dangerous. Bear doesn’t recommend using this mattress with a box spring.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in soft, medium, or firm, but we tested the medium. Consider your body weight and favorite sleeping position when selecting the best firmness option for you. For example, lower-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130-250 pounds) people who tend to sleep on their sides may prefer the soft model for adequate pressure relief. Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) side sleepers may prefer the firm option to avoid excess sag. Of course, personal preference also plays a role.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Any type of sleeper (soft, medium, and firm comfort levels available)
- People with hip and back pain who need extra support and pressure relief in those areas
- Sleepers looking for a low-bounce mattress that’s still easy to move around on
- Shoppers who would like delivery right to the bedroom
Who may want to avoid it
- People sticking to a budget—look for promotions to avoid paying full price
- Hot sleepers who need more efficient cooling technology
Titan Plus: Best for Heavy People with Hip Pain
Our expert take on the Titan Plus mattress
As an extra-firm mattress, the Titan Plus can support higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) sleepers, so the spine doesn’t sag and create painful pressure points in the hips. But average-weight sleepers may appreciate this firm, supportive mattress as well.
During testing, we found that this mattress provides an “on top” experience instead of the cradle you get with memory foam. We scored this mattress eight out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is a solid firm. These types of mattresses are easy to push against when changing positions or standing up, allowing you to make concise movements to minimize pain. The Titan Plus also has a slight bounce that aids movement.
It’s easy to assume a firm mattress would create pressure points, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Specially designed to support and cradle higher-weight people, the Titan Plus demonstrated excellent pressure relief for back sleepers during our tests. Testers also reported feeling like their weight was evenly distributed and their spine neutral.
The Titan Plus is a shorter mattress at 11.25 inches. If this allows your hips to fall below your knees when sitting on the edge of the bed, you’ll likely feel increased pain in your hips. McAllister recommended adding furniture risers under the bed frame to achieve a more comfortable height.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Shoppers on a budget
- Higher-weight (more than 250 pounds) people who need a firmer and more supportive mattress for comfort
- Stomach sleepers who need a firmer surface to prevent their hips from sagging into the mattress
Who may want to avoid it
- Hot sleepers who need high-performance cooling materials
- Lower-weight (less than 130 pounds) sleepers
- Average-weight (130-250 pounds) people who sleep on their sides
Nolah Evolution: Best for Older Adults With Hip Pain
Our expert take on the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution demonstrated some of the best pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Its tall height and excellent edge support helped us keep our hips at a comfortable angle when getting in and out of the bed.
“Seniors with hip pain may have arthritis,” said Hernandez. “Arthritic hips have trouble bending past 90 degrees without pain, so go with a tall mattress with good edge support.”
Based on this guidance, the Nolah Evolution is the standout pick for “Best Mattress for Older Adults With Hip Pain.” At 15 inches high, it’s the tallest mattress on this list and also demonstrated excellent edge support during testing. Just make sure it’s not too tall when combined with your bed frame—climbing into bed isn’t good for painful hips.
The Nolah Evolution also has other potential hip pain-relieving features, like extra lumbar support to prevent the lower back from dipping into the mattress. Our pressure mapⓘ A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lays across it. tests showed excellent pressure relief for back and side sleepers, but Hernandez recommended placing a pillow between your thighs (when lying on your side) or under your knees (when lying on your back) to further relieve pressure on the hips.
You can choose from four firmness options (plush soft, luxury firm, and comfort plus) to optimize comfort, though we tested the luxury firm (a medium-firm mattress). No one mattress is the answer to easing hip pain since it’s a matter of personal preference.
Nolah requires that you try the mattress for at least 30 days before returning it, and you’ll have to pay a $99 return fee.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Any type of sleeper (plush soft, luxury firm, and comfort plus options available)
- People who switch positions throughout the night
- Shoppers looking for a tall mattress to ease hip pain while getting in and out of bed
- Couples looking for a balance of responsiveness and motion isolation
Who may want to avoid it
- People sticking to a budget—look for promotions to avoid paying full price
- Hot sleepers who need more efficient cooling technology
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: Best for Side Sleepers With Shoulder and Hip Pain
Our expert take on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress
During testing, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling showed great promise as a comfortable, pressure-relieving mattress for side sleepers. Testers said it was just as supportive and comfortable in other sleeping positions, so it’s also a good choice if you need to change positions throughout the night.
Our Reviews Team tested a Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress with medium firmness, which turned out to be a perfect option for side sleepers of all sizes. Its three layers of foam allow the shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress enough to relieve pressure, while the coil layer helps the spine stay in a neutral position.
Some mattresses push firmly against your body, giving a heightened sense of support. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling is a little gentler than that. Testers reported feeling the material slowly conform to their body without causing them to sink excessively into the foam.
As the name suggests, the Aurora Luxe Cooling could also be a good option for hot sleepers. When we tested the mattress using a temperature gun, we recorded a 6-degree increase after a tester lay on it for five minutes, indicating efficient cooling. We’ve recorded temperature shifts that range from 3–15 degrees Fahrenheit among the mattresses we’ve tested so far.
This mattress also has a stable edge, which could make it easier to get in and out of bed without placing undue strain on the hips.
Our recommendation
Who may love it
- Any type of sleeper (plush soft, luxury firm, or firm comfort levels available)
- People who need excellent edge support for sleeping near the edge or safely getting in and out of bed
- Back and side sleepers looking for pressure relief
- Hot sleepers who need high-performance cooling materials
Who may want to avoid it
- Couples who don’t want to wake their partner when switching sides at night
- Combination sleepersⓘ People who sleep in more than one position throughout the night. who need more bounce to easily change positions
How to choose the best mattress for hip pain
Choosing the ideal mattress for hip pain can help alleviate discomfort, support proper alignment, and contribute to overall sleep quality. Here are several factors to consider when selecting a mattress specifically for hip pain:
Material and composition
The material of the mattress plays a significant role in providing the necessary support and comfort for individuals with hip pain. Memory foam is often recommended because it contours closely to the body, helping to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points. Latex mattresses are also a good choice as they offer a similar level of support but with more bounce than memory foam.
Firmness level
The ideal firmness level for someone with hip pain typically ranges from medium to medium-firm. Medium to medium-firm mattresses provide a balance between support and cushioning. A mattress that is too soft may cause the hips to sink too deeply, misaligning the spine and increasing pain. A mattress that is too firm can increase pressure points on the hips. Consider your body weight and personal comfort preferences when choosing firmness.
Thickness
Thickness can also influence how well a mattress meets the needs of a person with hip pain. Generally, a thicker mattress will provide better deep compression support, which is beneficial for those with a heavier body type or severe hip pain. Look for mattresses that are at least 10 inches thick to ensure adequate support and durability.
Is my mattress causing hip pain?
If your mattress is too firm or too soft, it may not provide the necessary support or cushioning for your hips, leading to misalignment and pressure on the joints. An overly firm mattress might push against the hips, while a too-soft mattress allows them to sink too deeply, both scenarios straining the muscles and joints.
Best mattress types for hip pain
Choosing the right mattress can significantly impact your quality of sleep and intensity of hip pain.
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are popular for those suffering from hip pain due to their ability to conform closely to the body, providing significant pressure relief. The best memory foam mattresses distribute body weight evenly, reducing stress on the hips and other pressure points. These mattresses can retain heat and may have a slow response time to movement, which might be uncomfortable for some users.
Latex mattresses
Latex mattresses offer a good balance of support and cushioning, which can be beneficial for hip pain sufferers. They are responsive and provide natural cooling properties. For those who sleep hot, latex mattresses do not retain as much heat as memory foam, but they tend to be on the more expensive side and can be quite heavy, making them difficult to move.
Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of innerspring and foam mattresses. They typically have a coil base topped with layers of foam or latex, providing both support and comfort. Hybrids are excellent for hip pain as they offer deep compression support along with top layers that cushion the hips. They also have better airflow compared to all-foam options. But hybrid mattresses can be expensive and heavy, and the lifespan can vary depending on the quality of the materials used.
Tips to relieve hip pain when sleeping
In addition to choosing the right mattress, adopting specific sleep habits can further relieve your hip pain. Adding a mattress topper can enhance comfort by providing an extra layer of cushioning. Using a contour pillow under your head or placing a pillow between your knees can help maintain spinal alignment and reduce stress on the hips. Additionally, sleeping on your side with a supportive pillow between your knees can prevent the upper leg from pulling the spine out of alignment, thus relieving pressure on the hips. Lastly, ensure that your sleeping environment is conducive to rest, with minimal noise and optimal temperature, to improve sleep quality and potentially reduce discomfort.
Bottom line
While updating your mattress may be able to help with hip pain, you should always talk to your doctor or physical therapist. They can give specific recommendations based on the cause of your hip pain and diagnosis. You’ll also want to make sure you understand the trial period terms and return procedures in case you buy a mattress that aggravates your hip pain.
We like models that come in different firmness options—like our top pick, the Saatva Classic—for easy swaps. The Saatva Classic also clinched the top spot as the best mattress for hip pain thanks to excellent pressure relief, support under the hips and back, and a sturdy edge for easy transitions in and out of bed. But considering your sleeping position, weight, body type, and personal preferences is key to finding the right mattress for you.
Frequently asked questions
We chose the Saatva Classic as the best overall mattress for hip pain due to its reinforced lumbar support, high performance during the pressure relief portion of our tests, sturdy edge support, customizable firmness and height, and free white-glove delivery. But it’s important to remember what is comfortable to one person might not be for another. While our testers rated the Classic as the best overall, you should consider your personal preferences, like firmness and sleeping position, which is why we presented a range of different mattresses that can help ease hip pain and meet a variety of different needs and bed preferences
If your mattress is causing hip pain, you may wake up in the morning with sore hips. The pain may disappear as you go about your day and only reappear after lying on the mattress.
Your sleeping position can also aggravate hip pain. “Most people with hip pain will find it hard to roll in and out of a stomach sleeping position,” said Hernandez. “Also, arthritic hips don’t like extending backward in that position.”
If you must sleep on your stomach, McAllister recommended placing a pillow under your chest to take some pressure off your hips. She also advised placing a pillow between the thighs when lying on your side or under the knees when lying on your back. Even if you don’t go to bed with hip pain, these proactive measures can reduce strain on the hips and lower back, helping you stay pain-free throughout the night.
Some people prefer a soft mattress, and others prefer a firm one, although McAllister warned that some people find it more difficult to move around on a soft mattress. The key is to find a firmness that allows you to feel comfortable so you can rest. Ideally, the hips will stay in a neutral position relative to the spine to reduce strain on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This depends on the mattress’s supportive materials, not necessarily how soft or firm the top layers feel.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- Arthritis Foundation. Hip Pain at Night? Found on the internet at https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/causes-and-treatments-for-nighttime-hip-pain
- Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School. Sciatica. March 23, 2023. Found on the internet at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/sciatica-a-to-z