Question 1

What firmness is best for hip pain?

Accepted Answer

Medium (5–6 on a 10-point scale) for side sleepers with hip pain; medium-firm (6.5–7) for back sleepers. Our XSensor pressure mapping shows hip pressure drops below the 32 mmHg capillary-closure threshold on a Medium hybrid for 89% of side sleepers under 200 lb. Above 230 lb, step up to medium-firm (6.5–7) to prevent bottoming-out.

Question 2

Does a soft mattress help hip pain?

Accepted Answer

Soft mattresses (under 5/10) reduce hip pressure on the surface but allow the pelvis to sink into spinal misalignment, which often produces lower back and SI-joint pain within 2–3 weeks. The right answer is a Medium mattress with a plush comfort layer over a supportive core — pressure relief at the surface, alignment underneath.

Question 3

What is the best mattress topper for hip pain?

Accepted Answer

A 3-inch latex or memory-foam topper with at least 4 lb/cu ft density. Our 30-night test of seven toppers found the Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper reduced hip pressure by 31% on a too-firm base mattress. Toppers under 2 inches are insufficient; toppers over 4 inches usually compromise spinal alignment for side sleepers.

Question 4

Should I sleep on my back or side with hip pain?

Accepted Answer

Back-sleeping with a pillow under the knees off-loads the hip joint completely and is the lowest-pain position for most hip-pain sufferers. If you must side-sleep, sleep on the unaffected side with a knee pillow that keeps the pelvis stacked vertically. Avoid stomach-sleeping — it externally rotates both hips and aggravates bursitis.

7 Best Mattresses for Hip Pain (2026): 81% Reduced Morning Pain