Ongoing hip pain can disrupt your life, including the quality of your sleep and overall mental health. People with chronic pain also often have mobility issues that can further negatively impact their sleep.
“Mobility is a major issue for people with chronic hip pain, especially first thing in the morning when the hip is most stiff,” says Nicole Hernandez, a licensed doctor of physical therapy based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Because your sleeping surface can impact the amount of pressure on your body during sleep, which could help alleviate pain and provide better sleep, the Handbook Team researched more than 100 mattresses and tested dozens more to bring you the best mattresses for hip pain. We consulted with physical therapists and chiropractors to determine edge support Edge support is the bed’s strength and stability around the perimeter. , responsiveness Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. , and pressure relief, which are the main mattress qualities that can impact hip pain. Learn more about the best mattresses for hip pain in our review, and read our review of the best mattresses to learn more.
Best mattress for hip pain overall
The Saatva Classic provided excellent responsiveness and edge support, which should make it easier for someone with hip pain to move around and get up from the bed. Plus, it tested high for pressure relief, which helps ensure this mattress doesn’t exacerbate chronic hip pain.
Our pick for the best mattresses for hip pain
- Saatva Classic: Best overall
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best for side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best innerspring mattress for hip pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best hybrid mattress for hip pain
- Saatva HD: Best for heavy people with hip pain
- WinkBeds Original Luxury Firm: Best for back sleepers with hip pain
HelpGuide Handbook’s mattress testing methodology
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “sex” and “family” scores.
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For example, we record:
- Firmness score and whether the mattress is best for back, side, or stomach sleepers.
- Starting temperature of the mattress and how much it heats up after two testers lie on the mattress for five minutes.
- How many times a 10-pound ball bounces on the mattress after dropping from a height of two feet in order to arrive at a mattress bounce score.
We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress, as well as the benefits of purchasing one.
According to our survey
According to our survey, about 80 percent of all respondents said their new mattress helps them sleep better, and 65 percent reported improved mental health.
As our testers evaluated each brand and its features, we considered why many people choose a new mattress in the first place. Of our respondents, 42 percent decided to purchase a new mattress for “improved comfort and support for better sleep,” while only seven percent did so for “pain relief and targeted support.” The most common pain respondents wanted relieved was lower back pain.
Despite only 42 percent of respondents prioritizing comfort and support for better sleep when shopping for a new mattress, 68 percent reported they sleep longer on their new mattress and 49 percent and 45 percent, respectively, said their stress and anxiety had improved after switching to their new mattress. Almost all mattress owners we surveyed (95 percent) were at least somewhat satisfied with their new mattress. We consulted sleep experts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pain specialists to understand what mattresses offer that make an overwhelmingly positive impact.
In order to focus on the mattresses themselves, we structured our test designs to objectively rank each one based on a range of criteria. For example, we tested things like bounce, edge support (the sturdiness of your mattress edge), and cooling capabilities the same way on each mattress and compared the results. That way we can accurately compare each mattress’s score in an unbiased way while also sharing our subjective point of view as mattress testers and experts.
Lastly, we compared warranty lengths, trial periods, and white glove delivery (in-home delivery and setup) options. While most brands offer warranties, not all are comprehensive. And many brands on the market don’t have free white glove delivery. This could be a deal-breaker if you’re nervous to invest in a new mattress because you’re worried the bed won’t get set up properly or offer what you need.
From our tester
“During our research, we realized that the brand’s firmness scale and perceived firmness aren’t always the same. We decided to report how firm we thought the mattress felt so that you can gain a different perspective, but more importantly, feel confident about what you’re purchasing.”
A note on our testing
We acknowledge that every body is different, and what feels comfortable to one person may not feel comfortable to another. Throughout our reviews, we refer to weight categories as light (below 130 pounds), average (130–250 pounds), and higher-weight (above 250 pounds) to distinguish between body weights.
Typically, lighter sleepers perceive mattresses to feel firmer than they are, and higher-weight sleepers perceive mattresses to feel softer than they are. Keep in mind that most mattresses are designed for the average-weight person.
HelpGuide Handbook for best mattresses for hip pain
Here are the five most important things you need to know about mattresses for hip pain:
Our pick for the best overall mattress for hip pain is the Saatva Classic.
Responsiveness and edge support are the two most important factors to consider.
Side sleepers with hip pain should consider pressure relief when choosing a mattress.
Overall bed height is important to consider for mobility.
People with hip pain should consult with a doctor before purchasing a mattress.
Compare the best mattresses for hip pain
| Price | $1,295–$2,790 | $1,893–$3,920 | $1,373.80–$2,873.80 | $665–$1,599 | $1,995–$4,390 | $1,149–$2,049 |
| Firmness | 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | $1,149–$2,049 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | 6.5/10 |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 15 years | 10 years | Lifetime | Hybrid |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | Lifetime |
| Best for | Back sleepers* | All sleepers* | Back and side sleepers | Combination sleepers* | All sleepers | 120 nights |
The best mattresses for hip pain reviews
Best overall mattress for hip pain: Saatva Classic
We chose the Saatva Classic as the best overall mattress for hip pain because it embodies the most important mattress qualities people with hip pain should consider: responsiveness, edge support, and pressure relief in the hip area. It’s one of the few mattresses we tested that received a five out of five score for edge support, and our testers found it easy to reposition themselves—both of which are important for someone managing mobility challenges.
- Material: Hybrid.
- Cost: $1,295–$2,790.
- Warranty: Lifetime.
- Trial period: 365 nights.
- Shipping: Free shipping
- Firmness: 7/10.
- Height: 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches.
- Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king.
Our testers found that the Saatva Classic’s responsive coils contoured to the body well and gently cradled their joints and pressure points during testing, making it easy for them to reposition themselves comfortably.
“If you have hip pain and have to roll onto your hip, you’ll have to go into internal hip rotation a little, which can be painful. The gentler and easier you can roll, the better,” says Hernandez.
Our testers were also impressed by how well this mattress scored in edge support. When sitting and laying on the edge of the bed, our testers felt safe. The mattress didn’t sag, and they didn’t feel like they would slip off. This quality is ideal for someone with hip pain and anyone who tends to sleep on the edge of their mattress.
From our tester
“Ideally, you’d want to feel as supported on the edge as the center of the mattress, but you’re actually getting more support at the edge with this mattress. It feels like it scoops you in.”
Side sleepers generally feel a small amount of pressure at the hips and slightly more around their shoulders. We scored the Classic high for pressure relief (four out of five on our scale), as it did a good job of relieving pressure on the hip but saw some pressure buildup at the shoulder. If you’re a side sleeper with severe hip pain, and want a mattress that offers total pressure relief, you may want to opt for the Bear Elite Hybrid, which is our top pick for side sleepers. You could also consider the soft version of the Saatva Classic for extra pressure relief.
Because the Classic is bouncy and easy to move around on, it scored lower in motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. . This means if you sleep with a partner or pet, there’s a greater likelihood you’ll feel their movements when they move around in the bed.
One of our testers pushes down on the Saatva Classic in our testing facility.
Best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain: Bear Elite Hybrid
Best innerspring mattress for hip pain: Helix Midnight Luxe
Best hybrid mattress for hip pain: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is our pick for the best hybrid mattress for hip pain because its comfortable foam and individually encased coils make it responsive and supportive.
- Material: Hybrid.
- Cost: $665–$1,599.
- Warranty: 10 years.
- Trial period: 120 nights.
- Shipping: Free shipping.
- Firmness: 6.5/10.
- Height: 12.25 inches.
- Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, RV king.
We think hybrid mattresses are ideal for hip pain because the foam layers provide the contouring and plushness needed to cradle the joints while the springs provide the bounce needed to easily move around the bed. Our testers were able to reposition themselves with ease on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, and it didn’t take much effort to roll around on the mattress.
From our tester
“I don’t feel stuck inside this mattress. I feel cradled but not too deep into the mattress, so it’s still easy to move around.”
Our testers found there was decent support when sitting at the edge of the bed, and the thin lip that surrounds the mattress provided additional protection. However, one of our testers found they couldn’t lie on the edge of the mattress without feeling like they might fall off, so we wouldn’t recommend this mattress if you tend to sleep on the edge.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium-Firm, and Firm, making it easy to customize the best firmness level for your needs. When one of our testers lay on their side on the Medium-Firm mattress, the pressure map showed excellent pressure relief at the hip, slight pressure forming around their shoulder, and almost no pressure build-up while on their back. Ultimately, we found this mattress provided solid pressure relief with a four out of five on our pressure relief scale.
From our tester
“There was a great balance between support and pressure relief. It’s hard to get both in one mattress because you tend to sacrifice one for the other.”
One of our testers pushes down on the edge of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature to test edge support.
Best mattress for heavy people with hip pain: Saatva HD
Best mattress for back sleepers with hip pain: The WinkBed
Back sleepers with hip pain need a mattress that balances firmness and pressure relief. The WinkBed mattress is our top pick because it’s a supportive mattress that tested well in pressure relief, spinal alignment, and repositioning.
- Material: Hybrid.
- Cost: $1,149–$2,049.
- Warranty: Lifetime.
- Trial period: 120 nights.
- Shipping: Free shipping.
- Firmness: 6.5/10.
- Height: 13.5 inches.
- Sizes available: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king.
We think the WinkBed is an ideal mattress for back sleepers because the pressure map showed minimal pressure when our testers lay on their back. Plus, it offered enough bounce to aid mobility. Even if you’re a strict back sleeper, someone with hip pain needs a mattress that’s easy to move around on.
From our tester
“While I felt a little give due to the plush top, it didn’t feel like it was enveloping me, though I felt light contouring. My weight was evenly distributed, though more at the trunk of my body, and my spine felt aligned.”
Although our testers felt stable sitting on the edge of the mattress, there was less stability while lying near the edge, which is an important consideration for people who hug the side of the bed while sleeping.
We like that this mattress comes in four different models: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (for people over 250 pounds). The Luxury Firm (the model we tested) is our pick for back sleepers with hip pain since it balances firmness with responsiveness. However, if you find the Luxury Firm model isn’t working for you, you can exchange it for a different firmness level for $49. You’ll have 60 days with both beds to decide which one you prefer.
The WinkBed’s traditional bouncy feel is similar to what you’d feel in a hotel room.
Other things to consider in a mattress for hip pain
Before you invest in a mattress, you should know exactly what to look for, especially since some mattresses may either worsen or improve your hip pain at night. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Height of the mattress
Hip pain can make it difficult to get in and out of bed, especially if your bed isn’t the proper height. “The height of your bed with the mattress should mean your knees are at a 90-degree angle with your feet firmly on the ground. Choosing a depth that allows you to achieve this angle will remove much of the stress of entering and exiting the bed,” says Ben Carvosso, a chiropractor and owner of MP Nutrition.
If your knees are at a 90-degree angle in your current bed, measure the height of your current mattress and use that information for your next mattress purchase.
Type of mattress
You should avoid purchasing a mattress you feel “stuck in.” Memory foam mattresses tend to feel like they’re enveloping you, making it difficult to move around in and lift yourself up. Hybrid mattresses offer a responsiveness and bounciness that makes it easier for someone with chronic pain to move around without straining their joints.
Consult with your health care provider
If you have hip pain, it’s important to consult your doctor before buying a new mattress. Hip pain is a “common referral region.” This means that if you feel pain in your hip, the pain may be coming from somewhere else, like your back or spine.
“It’s also a referral pattern for some abdominal organs, so it’s good to get those ruled out. A new mattress may or may not be a good idea depending on the doctor’s diagnosis based on pain patterns, so it’s important to get their recommendation first,” says Nicole Hernandez, a licensed doctor of physical therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hip pain in young adults is often temporary and caused by muscle strains, sprains, inflammation, or bruising. Older adults are more likely to have chronic hip pain and may benefit more from buying a new mattress.
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t have the proper mattress, it may add to your discomfort and pain. However, it doesn’t mean everyone with hip pain automatically needs a new mattress. If you have temporary hip pain, you can likely benefit more from physical therapy and strengthening instead of buying a new mattress.
Hip pain can impair mobility, making it painful to move around or get up from the bed, especially if you don’t have the proper mattress.
A mattress with a firmness level between six to 7.5 out of 10 is ideal for supporting and cushioning the joints. But comfort is subjective and should be the main point of consideration when looking for a new mattress.
While a firmer mattress with good responsiveness and edge support helps with mobility, softer mattresses can offer better contouring. Your doctor may be able to offer insights on the type of sleeping surface best for your specific situation.
Hybrid mattresses can offer the support and bounce you need for greater ease of movement.
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- Low, F., Chua, M. C. H., Lim, P., & Yeow, C. (2017). Effects of mattress material on body pressure profiles in different sleeping postures. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 16(1), 1–9. Link
- Lesher, J. M., Dreyfuss, P., Hager, N., Kaplan, M., & Furman, M. (2008). Hip joint pain referral patterns: a descriptive study. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.), 9(1), 22–25. Link
- Ahuja, V., Thapa, D., Patial, S., Chander, A., & Ahuja, A. (2020). Chronic hip pain in adults: Current knowledge and future prospective. Journal of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, 36(4), 450–457. Link
- Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link