Ratings > Mattresses and Bad Back Problems Unbiased Comparisons Based on 22,478 Owner Experiences Some mattresses perform significantly better than others in preventing / relieving pain, including back, hip and shoulder pain. Before discussing which are best, three interrelated terms are important to understand: support, conforming ability, and firmness. Support refers to how well a mattress keeps the sleeper's body on a flat and level plane. Owner experience data shows that support is a key factor in preventing and alleviating pain, especially back pain. Support can be undermined by excessive softness and excessive firmness – but it is most often undermined by sagging of the mattress. Sagging is the top complaint of mattress owners overall with at least 30% reporting a significant problem. Sagging occurs when part of a mattress, usually the middle, becomes compressed and lower than the rest. Sagging often puts a person's spine into an unnatural position – especially for side and stomach sleepers.
Consequently, mattress owner experience data shows a clear connection between sagging and pain, especially back pain. The greater the sagging depth the more likely it is that sagging will cause a person to have discomfort or pain in bed and possibly out of bed. * especially for side and / or stomach sleepers. It should be noted that despite the fact that back pain for many people may occur with less than 1.5 inches of sagging depth, many mattress warranties cover sagging only if it has a depth greater than 1.5 inches. Conforming ability refers to how well a mattress conforms or molds to the contours and curves of a person's body. A mattress has good conforming ability if all of one's body is supported equally by the mattress. A lack of conforming ability means there are gaps in support. The result can be that at least one part of the body – such as the lower back – is placed in an unsupported, unnatural and therefore stressed position which can cause pain.
A lack of conforming ability also often results in some parts of the body – namely shoulders and hips of side sleepers – feeling more pressure than other parts because of unequal support. Such pressure can be a source of significant discomfort. Having the right firmness is an important factor in preventing / relieving pain. Learn more: Mattress Firmness Guide & Comparison. The graph below shows the pain-relieving ability of the different mattress types based on actual owner experiences. The types that are better at reducing (back, hip and shoulder) pain are more supportive, less likely to sag and more likely to have effective conforming ability. Keep in mind that the chart represents what is often but not always the case; model or individual mattress may go against these findings somewhat. Sagging and loss of support (barring mechanical breakdown) is usually less of a problem with airbeds compared to most other bed types. And the air chambers inside an airbed provide at least fair conforming ability and allow for adjustable firmness / support to suit personal preference and sleep position.
Airbeds, however, with little or no comfort layer can be too firm on hips and or shoulders of small- to average-sized side sleepers. While memory foam mattresses can develop problems (sagging, excessive softness, and loss of support) these problems tend to not be as common or serious as they can be with innerspring-based mattresses (memory foam's main competition). Memory foam also provides good conforming ability for average- to large-sized people. Firmness levels tend to be mostly medium to medium-firm. Smaller-sized people may experience excessive pressure points as they tend to not exert adequate pressure on the mattress to benefit from the foam's conforming ability. Latex can develop body impressions and soften to some extent, but these problems tend to not cause widespread pain problems. Latex often conforms moderately to the body. Firmness tends to be medium to firm (but soft varieties are available). Hybrid mattresses often provide above-average support, but such support breaks down for at least 18% of owners within three years due to sagging.
Conforming ability tends to be good if at least two inches of memory foam is present. A variety of firmnesses are available. While waterbeds are often highly conforming, their support is questionable. At least 15% of owners claim that their waterbed causes back pain because of poor support. Firmness can be adjusted somewhat by adding or removing water. Innerspring mattresses often provide at least fair support, but such support breaks down for at least 20% of owners within three years due to sagging. Models with a significant comfort layer often provide fair conforming ability, while models with a minimal comfort layer often provide poor conforming ability especially for small- to average-sized people. Futon mattresses offer mostly fair support and conforming ability. Futons tend to be more firm than soft. While mattress support, mattress conforming ability, and mattress firmness are crucial factors for preventing / relieving pain, they are not the only factors. One's choice of pillow is important as well.
If your pillow – specifically its loft or height – is not compatible with your mattress – specifically its firmness level – then neck, upper spine, head and shoulder discomfort or pain are possible. See our pillow loft guide and calculators to learn how much loft may be best for you. A mattress made with special Talalay latex foam combined with our exclusive Intelli-Gel® material is the best mattress for relieving your hip pain. The exclusive honey-comb design used in our beds provides both support where you need it (your hips in this case), but also continuously provides cushioning that is needed for you to get a good nights rest. Dealing with hip pain can be pretty tough. Not only would you have to deal with hip soreness and pain, your movement would also be affected. Sleeping can also be very difficult. Fortunately, there are mattresses designed to help people with hip problems to sleep better. You should never get a traditional innerspring mattress as this can’t give the right support to your hips, especially if you are a side sleeper.
Moreover, sleeping on an innerspring mattress would transfer much of your body weight to the hip area which can only worsen pain in the hips. If you have pain in your hips, you’d want to choose a memory foam mattress or a latex mattress. A memory foam mattress provides soft support to your body, cradling and cushioning it for hours without making the pain worse. This type of mattress is generally considered the best for hip pain. You can also opt for a latex mattress, which comes in natural, synthetic, or blend types. It also provides a firm yet comfortable support to the hips. If you prefer to sleep on your side, you will love the fact a latex mattress provides enough pressure on the hips. Plus, it facilitates improved circulation in the lower torso. Moreover, a latex mattress has a cell structure that improves air circulation. You can enjoy a more restful sleep even during the summer because of the characteristics of this mattress. Now what are the mattresses you should consider if you are suffering from hip problems?
Brentwood Home 13-Inch Gel HD Memory Foam – This model has a 3.5 inch layer of gel infused memory foam. This responds to the individual shape, temperature, and weight of the body. By adjusting its shape, the mattress can provide sufficient support to your body while keeping your spine aligned. It can also relieve discomfort at the hips as well as the shoulders. The mattress has a solid support base, absorbing the weight of the user and dampening motion transfer. It can also prevent noise, so you could sleep more soundly at night. Its wool lining can resist odors. This mattress is a mid-range option. Sleep Innovations Alden 14-inch Memory Foam – This king size model has a medium-soft feel, just the right level of softness you would want if you have hip problems. It would provide adequate support to your lower torso. It’s ideal for side sleepers, with pressure point relief and personalized alignment. This mattress has a tri-comfort design. The top layer is a 2.5 inch memory foam while the middle layer is a 2.5 inch Air Channel foam.
The bottom layer is durable and supportive, measuring 9 inches. This king size mattress is a luxury item. DreamFoam Mattress Ultimate Dreams Cushion Firm Latex – This 10-inch ultra plush latex mattress has 6 inches of high density base foam, three inches of Talalay latex foam that instantly contours to the unique curve of a user’s body, and 1.5 inches of super soft hyperflex for the top layer. The latter is softer than cotton but absorbs moisture better than the said material, resulting to a cooler and comfortable sleep. In terms of firmness, this is a cushion firm mattress that has the slightly lower resistance level compared to traditional firm beds. It allows your body to mold more into the mattress. This mattress is a luxury item. DynastyMattress Cool Breeze 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam – This 12-inch, queen-size memory model from DynastyMattress is perhaps the best bed for hip pain. It has a four-layer construction. The base is made of five-inches high density foam for superior support, and a 3 inch gel foam as the top layer.
Then there’s a dual, two-inch state of the art cool airflow foam sandwiching the two layers. The said top layer has infused gel beads for the best in comfort and support level, while improving airflow. It’s soft and comfortable, providing enough cushions to the lower torso for hours. This mattress is a high-end item. Lucid 14-inch plush Memory Foam – This memory foam model from Lucid is made of 4 layers. Its base is an eight inch, high density foam that provides enough support from below. The top layer is one-inch bamboo memory foam, which is soft and hypoallergenic. The key feature of this mattress that makes it great for those with hip pain is the five-inch middle layer that cradles the body, reducing pressure points. Said layer also helps in aligning the neck and spine. It also guarantees that you won’t bottom out when you lay down on this mattress. This matress is a luxury item. There are certain factors that you will have to consider when shopping for the right mattress if you have hip pain.
Of course, you should set a budget for the mattress. Good mattresses designed for people with chronic hip pain are typically mi-range to luxury items. Set a budget and then stay within it. While you need a good mattress, you should not break the bank so to speak. Naturally, you must get a mattress that would fit with your bed frame. In case you have a queen size bed frame, you should buy a queen size mattress. In terms of firmness, you should look for a medium-firm mattress. The best type of mattress for hip pain is one with medium firmness since it lets the shoulder and hips to sink in slightly. You must also test the firmness of the mattress. A medium firm mattress should be ideal for a person with hip pain. In case you’re buying from a retail store, test the mattress by pushing down on it once or twice. Most mattress showrooms allow shoppers to try out a mattress by lying down on it. You’d also like to buy a mattress from a reputable company. Most of the reputable mattress sellers offer a trial period of 60 to 90 days.