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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best mattresses for hip pain relief with considerations for support, pressure relief, contouring, and overall performance.
Many people suffer from hip pain each day, and if you have hip pain, you know how hard it can be to get a comfortable night’s sleep. In fact, one study showed that 19.2% of older adults reported having regular hip pain. If you’re tired of the tossing and turning and waking up sore, it may be time to find a better mattress that offers the pressure relief you need.
There’s no reason that sleeping should be a pain – read on for information on what we consider to be the best mattresses for hip pain relief, out of the 100’s of mattresses we’ve tested in the past.
[Editor’s Note: The information provided should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a sleep doctor or other medical expert if questions related to one’s own health come up.]
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress For Hip Pain Relief?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix as the best mattress for hip pain relief for its versatile firmness options and comfort features for those living with aches and pains.
The Best Mattresses for Hip Pain
Helix – Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Hip Pain
The Mattress Clarity team has tested over 600 mattresses and assigned scores based on their support, quality, and durability. We have also detailed all of the important information shoppers should know, including each mattress’s firmness level, feel, cooling features, edge support, and motion isolation.
People who deal with hip pain need mattresses that can help them maintain the correct spinal alignment. That means their bed needs to have a great balance of comfort and support. With this in mind, we created a list of the best mattresses for hip pain.
Best Mattresses for Hip Pain, Tested by Experts
Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Hip Pain- Helix
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Sale
Use code CLARITY27 and save 27% sitewide See Details
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
If someone doesn’t know exactly what they need to deal with their hip pain, they might want to consider one of the Helix mattresses where customers can do one of two things. First, they can select from one of Helix’s six mattress models and, since people with hip pain usually want to find a softer mattress, it would be best to choose either the Helix Sunset or Moonlight.
Second, people can also take a sleep quiz on the Helix website, and the company will choose a mattress based on those specific answers. If someone is a side sleeper, Helix will recommend a mattress with more pressure relieffor shoulders and hips and, if they are a back or stomach sleeper, Helix might recommend something a bit firmer.
Those who want to add a bit of luxury to their Helix mattress can also opt for their Luxe upgrade which will add some more cooling features and give the mattress a more upscale look and feel.
What the testers say: “I’m a fan of Helix because they make it easy for shoppers to find the mattress that best suits their needs. In my opinion, the Helix Midnight is the most versatile option because its medium-firm feel offers both comfort and support.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About Helix Mattresses
Every Helix mattress, including their Core collection, is built with cooling features and has advanced cooling upgrades available.
Helix’s softest models, the Sunset and Moonlight, offer excellent pressure point relief for side sleepers. The Helix Midnight is a good choice for side sleepers looking for a balance of plush comfort and support.
Helix mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and are made with CertiPUR-US certified foams. This ensures they are made without harmful chemicals using sustainable manufacturing processes.
What to Keep in Mind About Helix Mattresses
Depending on the thickness of a Helix mattress’s top comfort layer, it may not isolate motion well. Helix mattresses with thicker foam layers like the Midnight and Twilight models do the best at reducing motion transfer.
Helix’s firmer mattresses (Dusk, Twilight, and Dawn) will feel too firm for most side sleepers and not offer much pressure relief.
Other Customer Reviews
Helix’s mattresses are highly reviewed by customers, and most are rated around 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many customers are satisfied with the balance of comfort and support Helix mattresses offer. Side sleepers prefer sleeping on the softest Helix models and rave about its pressure point relief. Some customers who bought softer Helix mattresses wish that they offered more support.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Medium-Firm Feel
Durable
Lifetime Warranty
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Deals – Extended
Save up to 50% on mattresses & up to 66% on bundles See Details
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a hybrid mattress, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
The DreamCloud Premier Rest scored a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the industry standard for medium firmness.
Price
$1,849–$4,918
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Most back sleepers will enjoy the Premier Rest’s balanced feel.
Side Sleepers
Average weight and heavyweight side sleepers should receive plenty of cushioning.
Couples
The good motion isolation and responsiveness make it a nice option for partners.
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier Rest
Back and side sleepers of all weights should find the right balance of comfort and support.
This is an extremely durable mattress that shoud last you over 10 years.
We consider the DreamCloud Premier Rest to be a fantastic value mattress.
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier Rest
The Premier Rest is not by any means the cheapest option on the market.
It’s not one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, especially when it comes to folks above 130 pounds.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a medium-firm hybrid mattress that’s versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. The plush pillow top and individually wrapped coils create a balanced feel that should appeal to back and side sleepers. Couples should appreciate the impressive motion isolation and responsiveness. See our full DreamCloud Premier Rest video review for additional information.
Our Expert’s Take
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a bouncy, hybrid mattress, and is DreamCloud’s most high-end mattress. Due to the great pressure relief that this mattress provides for the hips and shoulders, this mattress should be a fantastic fit for side sleepers. You should feel your hips sink into the soft memory foam layers, and there shouldn’t be any built-up pressure there. It should also work for some back sleepers because the memory foam should relieve some pressure on the hips and the shoulders, but many back sleepers may need more spinal support.
The airflow due to the coils in the mattress also makes for a cooler night of sleep – hot sleepers often complain thatmemory foam mattresses can make them overheat at night, but this shouldn’t be too much of a problem on the hybrid construction of the DreamCloud Premier.
What the testers say: “Because the DreamCloud Premier Rest is a bit softer than average, it’s a good match for side sleepers with hip pain. I didn’t get the necessary lumbar support when I slept on my back and stomach, but it could work well for lightweight people.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier Rest
The DreamCloud Premier Rest feels like a 6/10 on our firmness scale, which is slightly softer than medium-firm. Its ultra-plush feel should offer ample pressure relief around your shoulders and hips.
Its individually wrapped coils give the Premier Rest a bouncy, responsive feel and allow for ample airflow.
This mattress comes with a risk-free 365-night sleep trial and a forever warranty that covers any damages from intended use.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier Rest
The Premier Rest is ultra cushioning, but not the most supportive. Those who weigh over 160 lb will require more support while back sleeping and stomach sleeping.
This mattress is DreamCloud’s most luxurious model, so it’s not as affordable as other beds on this list.
Other Customer Reviews
On DreamCloud’s website, the Premier Rest Hybrid mattress has a 4.3/5 star average rating from 1,021 customer reviews. Customers love how luxurious the Premier Rest feels and a few reviews compare sleeping on it to sleeping on a cloud. Some reviews mention how the Premier Rest lacks solid edge support.
Best Mattress For Lightweight People With Hip Pain– Saatva Rx
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Saatva Rx is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1995 – $4,390 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The mattress is designed specifically with pain in mind. Its unique design can prevent and easy future back pain.
It is a great luxury pick. If you want a mattress with all the bells and whistles, this is a good investment.
Cons
It doesn’t offer a memory foam feel.
It is a pricier mattress.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva Rx is a great fit for people with deal with pain issues. Its unique coil system offers some of the best contouring we have ever experienced. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Finding a mattress as a lightweight sleeper that isn’t too soft or too firm can sometimes be a struggle, especially when shopping with a heavier significant other. The Saatva Rx is a highly versatile luxury mattress specializing in orthopedic support, with an official endorsement by the American Chiropractic Association. The Rx blends firm support with a softer industry-standard 6.5/10 firmness, making it a great choice for lightweight sleepers struggling with back or chronic joint pain to experience the comfort and lumbar support they need.
Our testers determined the Rx was a good fit for lightweight back, side, and stomach sleepers, attesting to the bed’s hyper-versatility. Furthermore, the Rx had impressive scores across the board when we tried it out. Our testers gave it a perfect 5/5 for its orthopedic support and edge support. Moreover, hot sleepers can appreciate the breathable design of the Rx, with testers giving the mattress a 4/5 for its cooling abilities, pointing out that “The Rx has graphite and phase change material, which can help draw heat away from the body. This could make it a great choice for hot sleepers.” In addition, for couples seeking a bed together, especially if one person’s movements tend to wake the other up at night (a common experience for light and heavy sleepers sharing the bed), testers found great motion isolation on the Rx, giving it a 4/5 for the trait.
The Rx has a strategically zoned “lumbar support” design. This means that support and cushioning are firmer in the center of the bed for spinal support and softer in areas that call for pressure relief, such as the shoulders and knees. This design and its potential orthopedic benefits are a big part of what impressed our testers, and notably beyond us, the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations endorses the design. The Rx offers lightweight sleepers with back pain a supportive and comfortable mattress that can potentially help alleviate and prevent back inflammation while providing a proper night’s rest.
What the testers say: ““Lightweight back, stomach, and side sleepers will all find this mattress comfortable and supportive.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Rx
The Saatva is a great choice for lightweight sleepers of all types.
The Rx’s claim of being the “first luxury mattress specially designed for sleepers with chronic back & joint conditions” is a claim endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Due to its hybrid build, lightweight sleepers who are often woken up by the movements of their heavier partner at night can appreciate the Rx’s excellent motion isolation.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Rx
Saatva’s luxury mattress status is reflected in its price, making the bed a bit pricey for shoppers on a budget. Bargain hunters looking for a cheap mattress should maybe look elsewhere.
Other Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, the Saatva Rx has a little over 120 verified buyer reviews, resulting in an average score of 4.8/5. One verified customer wrote recently, “I have the Saatva Rx mattress. This mattress is wonderful! I have not had any sore back issues, legs, arms, or shoulders since I slept on it. I have only had this for approximately five weeks and the first thing I noticed I didn’t wake up stiff or sore from the first night I slept on it right up to currently. It is amazing!”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Deals – Extended
Save up to 50% on mattresses & up to 66% on bundles See Details
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
When shopping for a mattress, budget is always a major concern, and those who want a mattress to deal with their hip pain but don’t want to break the bank should take a look at the Nectar. It is an affordable mattress that costs right around $900 for a Queen-size when discounts are applied.
The Nectar features 4″ of memory foam in its comfort layer which should provide excellent pressure relief for side sleepers – they should sink into the soft layer and feel that pressure melt away. Also, the memory foam should relieve pressure on the hips when people lie on their backs. The mattress is also one of the most comfortable mattresses I have ever tried; the memory foam is very soft and lets me slowly sink into the mattress.
What the testers say: “Getting pressure relief shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, and if you’re on a tight budget, the Nectar is a great choice. This bed cushions my joints whenever I rest on my side, and it helps support my spine when I rest on my back.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
The Nectar is a great mattress for pain relief because its slow-moving memory foam gently cradles your body and targets pressure points.
All-foam mattresses usually isolate motion well, the Nectar is no exception. Couples shouldn’t be disturbed by the other person’s movements.
The Nectar’s main memory foam comfort layer is infused with gel beads to prevent it from trapping heat. Testers said the bed felt cool and confirmed their suspicions with a heat gun test. The gun measured a 1.9 degree F rise in temperature on the bed’s surface after a quick nap test, earning the bed a 4.5/5 cooling score on its report card.
The bed’s edge support is sound for an all-foam bed, with testers measuring a 3.5″ drop-off under a tester weighing 250 lbs. Nectar received an edge support score of 4/5 in recognition.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
Since Nectar is a bed-in-a-box mattress, you may notice some initial off-gassing after you unbox it. This is normal and should dissipate after 48 hours.
The bed has a slow-moving memory foam feel, which may be what you’re seeking. However, if you’re after more bounce, consider a bed with better responsiveness, like the Nectar Premier Hybrid. We gave the Nectar a 3/5 response score because of its lack of quick bounce-back.
This mattress feels like the industry standard for medium-firmness, so it’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers or heavyweight sleepers.
Other Customer Reviews
The Original Nectar Memory Foam mattress has received over 50,000 customer reviews on the Nectar website and has an average rating of 4.7/5 stars. Most customers found the Nectar mattress to be a great value for its balance of comfort and support. Some reviewers thought the Nectar was not supportive enough for back or stomach sleeping, which depends on a user’s body type.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Those who battle with both hip pain and back pain require a durable mattress with a balance of comfort and support. After all, a mattress that sags easily can throw your spine out of alignment and increase pain in sensitive areas. Our favorite solution to this is the WinkBed. It comes in four different firmness levels (Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus) so it should cater to sleepers of all body types and sleeping positions.
What makes the WinkBed great for both hip and back pain are its coils, which provide zoned support where you need it most. It’s also one of the most durable mattresses out there, so you shouldn’t have to worry about this mattress sagging and messing up your spinal alignment.
The WinkBed should offer plenty of comfort as well. It comes with a comfy Euro-style pillow-top that includes multiple layers of foam. This should help with contouring and pressure relief, and it should also balance out the feel of the mattress.
What the testers say: “The WinkBed mattress has a zoned support system, which helps me maintain the proper spinal alignment when I rest on my back and side. I also love the WinkBed’s plush pillow top and high-quality construction.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
We’ve named the WinkBed as one of the best cooling mattresses. It features a cooling Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam to dissipate body heat, and pocketed coils to allow airflow.
Its Euro pillow top has a luxurious hotel mattress feel and offers plenty of cushioning around your shoulders and hips.
The WinkBed’s reinforced edge support makes it long-lasting and prevents it from sagging.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
The WinkBed has a transitional innerspring feel, which means it does not isolate motion well.
This mattress has a luxurious feel and a high-end price point to match. Additionally, the WinkBed Plus designed for heavyweight sleepers costs slightly more than the other WinkBed models.
Other Customer Reviews
The WinkBed has earned an average customer rating of 4.8/5 stars from 8,573 customer reviews left on its product page. Top reviews mention how the WinkBed offers a great balance of comfort and support and is a worthwhile investment to improve your sleep quality. Some customers were not satisfied with the firmness level of the WinkBed model they purchased, which can be subjective depending on your body type and sleep position.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Nolah
Nolah Original
Soft Feel
Affordable
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Presidents Day Deals – Extended
Save 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress. It has high-density base foam at the bottom and comfort foam on top.
Firmness
The Nolah mattress feels softer than average. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$999-$2,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, short king, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Hot Sleepers
There’s a layer of breathable comfort foam on top, which helps promote airflow.
Side Sleepers
This mattress offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lb.
Pros of the Nolah
It offers lots of pressure relief, which can be helpful for side sleepers who have back or hip pain.
It’s sold at a budget-friendly price, and it should last at least seven years.
The breathable comfort layer contains AirFoam, which is cooler than traditional memory foam.
Cons of the Nolah
Back sleepers who weigh more than 230 lb may not get enough lumbar support.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers.
It lacks a bouncy and responsive feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress that feels softer than average. It contains proprietary AirFoam, which is more breathable than traditional memory foam. For this reason, it works well for hot sleepers. This mattress offers plenty of pressure relief for many side sleepers, but it may not be supportive enough for some back and stomach sleepers. Watch our Nolah mattress review video.
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah is an interesting mattress because it contains a layer of proprietary AirFoam, a more responsive alternative to memory foam, right on top. Some people have serious issues switching positions on memory foam mattresses, but most should be able to reposition with ease on the Nolah; if someone’s hip pain is accompanied by other mobility issues, mattress response is definitely something to keep in mind.
According to the company, AirFoam is also designed to relieve pressure better than memory foam and, while this is a bold claim, I can say from experience that the AirFoam does relieve pressure quite well! Also, we tested the Nolah mattress out with our pressure map and saw no significant pressure on my shoulders and hips.
The Nolah is a great mattress for side sleepers who are light- and medium-weight, but because the comfort layer is not particularly thick, heavier side sleepers might drive right through the comfort layer and feel their hips press into the support layer of the mattress.
What the testers say: “The Nolah is a great choice if you like foam mattresses, but don’t want to feel like you’re ‘sinking inside’ the top layers. This bed feels more responsive than other all-foam beds, and it still cushions my joints whenever I sleep on my side.” — Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah
This mattress features Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam. It has a responsive feel, doesn’t trap heat, and offers great pressure relief.
The Nolah Original is a great mattress for couples because it isolates motion well and is easy to move around on.
It is made from CertiPUR-US certified foams that don’t contain harmful materials and is GREENGUARD Gold certified to meet strict standards for low emissions.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah
Although the Nolah mattress is made entirely from foam, it does not have a slow-moving foam feel. You won’t feel like are sleeping “inside” its foam layers.
The Nolah mattress is not supportive enough for heavyweight sleepers. Those who weigh over 230 lb should consider a mattress with a durable innerspring coil system.
Other User Reviews
On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Original 10” mattress has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating. Top reviews mention how comfortable and pressure-relieving the mattress is and how easy it was to set up. Keep in mind that visitors on the Nolah site cannot sort or filter through all of their customer reviews.
There are many factors that go into finding the best mattress for you, including your body type, sleeping position, budget, and more. We’ll walk you through everything you should know when you’re on the hunt for a new mattress that’s designed to relieve pressure on the hips.
Best Type of Mattress for Hip Pain
If you’re specifically shopping for a mattress that can help alleviate your hip pain, you should know what to look out for and what to avoid.
Mattress Type
Good for Hip Pain?
Innerspring
X
Memory Foam
✔️
Hybrid
✔️
Latex
✔️
Airbed
✔️
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are very supportive, bouncy, and generally more firm. These beds are the traditional style that many sleepers are accustomed to. Even though they are popular, innerspring mattresses typically do not offer enough comfort or pressure relief for a sleep with hip pain, although if topped with a foam mattress topper you can get a good balance of support and contouring comfort.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses and other foam blend mattresses are very popular for bed-in-a-box companies. They are generally soft, pressure-relieving, and affordable mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for sleepers with hip pain because of their pressure-relieving properties. Memory foam beds evenly distribute your body weight across the bed to avoid pain buildups in the pressure points.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine springs with a softer element on top like memory foam, latex, polyfoam, wool, or other materials. Hybrid mattresses offer a nice balance of the supportive benefits of coils and the contouring and pressure-relieving comfort of foam or latex. These are ideal beds for hip pain relief because of this combo.
Latex
Latex mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses, though more bouncy and cooling. They make a good fit for sleepers with hip pain, though they are typically more expensive so keep that in mind if you’re shopping on a tight budget.
Airbed
Airbed mattresses, not to be confused with air mattresses, are luxury mattresses with adjustable air chambers that allow you to customize the firmness of the bed. Airbeds are some of the best mattresses for sleepers with hip pain, or any type of pain, since they allow you to continuously adjust your mattresses according to your flare ups.
Firmness
When it comes to hip pain, you should really be looking for a softer mattress because you want to make sure the mattress will relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips.
Mattress firmness is a more subjective factor. A mattress firmness can feel different depending on your body type and sleeping position. For instance, when you sleep on your back, you want to make sure that your hips will sink in without too much resistance but, if you sleep on your stomach, you will want something firmer.
Body Type
Your size and bodyweight can really determine what type of mattress you should pick to deal with your hip pain. For instance, if you’re on the lighter side, you can choose a mattress with a thinner comfort layer, and it will give you the pressure relief you require. However, if you’re heavier, you should pick a mattress with a thick comfort layer so that you do not “bottom out” and feel serious pressure on your hips.
What Causes Hip Pain?
There are numerous reasons that someone may develop hip pain or struggle with hip pain issues and, while an uncomfortable mattress could be the most likely culprit, we also wanted to list some other medical-related causes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of your hip or your groin. Hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround your hip joint.”
Your hip pain could also be connected to some of the following health issues:
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other types)
Our list is not fully comprehensive. These are just a few of the medical reasons someone might be struggling with hip pain. While a mattress could help ease and prevent hip pain, those who believe it is a serious medical problem should see a doctor or a healthcare professional.
Can Your Sleeping Position Cause Hip Pain?
Your hip pain may be caused or worsened by the way you’re sleeping at night. Depending on your sleeping position and the current mattress you’re sleeping on, you may be able to address your hip pain by considering ways to improve your sleeping situation. There are many different ways to sleep with hip pain to accomadate the pain but well go over what sleeping positions are best for hip pain.
Sleeping Position
Good for Hip Pain?
Side Sleeping
X
Stomach Sleeping
✔️
Back Sleeping
✔️
Side Sleeping
Side sleepers put the most pressure on the hips and shoulders. If you already suffer from hip pain, try shifting to sleeping on your back. This is a helpful way to immediately relieve the pressure you point on your joints while you sleep.
Alternatively, you can also consider choosing an optimal mattress that evenly distributes your body weight across the surface. Memory foam mattresses tend to do a good job of this.
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleepers are less prone to hip pain than side sleepers, but this position can still put strain on your hips. If your mattress is too soft, your mid-section will sink in too far and put strain on the lower back, which could also have an effect on your hip pain. Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to provide proper support for spinal alignment.
People who sleep on their back are also less prone to hip pain, though similarly to stomach sleepers, if your mattress is too soft you will have the same problem with sinkage and increased pressure. Back sleepers also need a firmer mattress that provides proper support.
Keep in mind, body weight also comes into play. Heavier people (200+ pounds) require a firmer mattress than lightweight and average sleepers to sleep comfortably and pain-free.
A bad mattress can definitely cause hip pain or exacerbate existing hip pain. If your mattress isn’t a good firmness level for you, that could be a big problem. If a mattress is too soft for you, you will sink in too far and not get the support you need. Plus, you may be putting additional pressure on your hips by sinking through to the bottom layer of the mattress.
On the other hand, if your mattress is too firm, you won’t be getting the contouring comfort you need. You want to sink in to the top layer of your mattress just enough to maintain a neutral spine alignment. All that said, your mattress can play a large role in your hip pain, so it’s important that you know when it’s time to start looking for a new mattress.
Signs You Need a New Mattress
There are a few simple signs you can look out for that signal that it’s time for you to purchase a new mattress. These include:
Your mattress is visibly sagging.
You wake up sore.
You have trouble falling and staying asleep.
You toss and turn throughout the night.
You have trouble getting comfortable.
You’ve had your mattress for at least 5-7 years.
If one or more of these statements are true for you, then it’s time to look into finding a new mattress that can help alleviate your pain and help you sleep better.
Sleeping Tips for People with Hip Pain (Budget Alternatives)
One of the highly effective options for relieving your hip pain is buying a new mattress, but if that isn’t in your budget, there are a few other options.
1. Change Your Sleeping Position
As we mentioned before, your sleeping position can have a large impact on your pain, especially if you sleep in a way that adds pressure on certain joints. Sleeping on your side is not ideal for anyone who experiences hip pain because of how much pressure you put on your hips. Flipping over to your back can be a good way to take some of the pressure off of your hips at night.
Easier said than done, switching your sleeping position can prove to be a challenge. I recommend using pillows propped around your body to keep you from rolling over to your side, or a weighted blanket that can hold you in place.
2. Find the Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain
Mattress toppers are a nice alternative to buying a completely new mattress. Memory foam and latex toppers can add a plush, contouring surface to your bed that allows your hips to comfortably sink in and avoid pressure.
Keep in mind, a mattress topper won’t have all of the same benefits of a new mattress. A well-designed mattress coordinates its layers to offer the most support, so mixing a mattress topper on your mattress may not offer the same benefits. Also, if your mattress is old and sagging, a topper isn’t a viable solution. That’s when it’s time for a new bed.
3. Use Pillows for Pain Relief
Pillows are another great tool at your dispense to relieve hip pain. First off, make sure you’re using a pillow with the right amount of loft to keep the top of your spine aligned to protect yourself from neck and shoulder pain.
For hip pain sufferers specifically, you can use pillows between your knees (for side sleepers) or underneath the knees (for back sleepers) to keep your hips aligned and comfortable throughout the night.
Mattress for Hip Pain FAQs
What kind of mattress is best for hip pain?
This depends on what someone prefers in regard to design and feel, but softer mattresses are usually a better match for people who struggle with back pain. They should relieve pressure on the hips whether someone is back sleeping or side sleeping.
Is a firm or soft mattress better for hip pain?
Generally, a soft mattress is better for those who deal with hip pain. A soft mattress will cushion the hips so that pressure does not build up there.
Can a bad mattress cause hip pain?
A bad mattress can indeed cause hip pain. If the mattress is too firm, it can add pressure to the hips and begin to cause pain. Also, if a mattress is sagging and generally uncomfortable, it can also lead to or exacerbate hip pain.
How should you sleep to avoid hip pain?
It is best to sleep on the back or stomach if someone is struggling with hip pain. This puts less pressure on the hips than when someone is side sleeping. However, those who still want to sleep on their side should find a softer mattress with a thick comfort layer.
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
