Best Mattress for Arthritis in Hips: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing in 5 LA showrooms and feedback from 3,300+ verified customers.
Best Mattress for Arthritis in Hips
Hip arthritis changes how you sleep — often for the worse. The pain that flares when you find a comfortable position, the stiffness when you try to roll over, the dull ache that wakes you at 3am. Your mattress can make all of that significantly better or significantly worse.
This guide covers what actually matters when choosing a mattress for hip arthritis — without the fluff.
02Why Hip Arthritis Affects Sleep
Hip osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and pain. At night, two things make this worse:
- Pressure concentration: Side sleeping puts direct pressure on the affected hip joint. A mattress that's too firm amplifies this.
- Poor alignment: When the spine and hips fall out of neutral alignment, surrounding muscles compensate and fatigue — adding tension to an already painful area.
The right mattress reduces both: it cushions pressure points and keeps your skeleton in a neutral position so your muscles can actually rest.
03What to Look for in a Mattress
Pressure Relief
This is the most important feature for hip arthritis. You need a mattress that allows your hip to sink in slightly rather than pressing back against it. Memory foam and latex are the two materials best known for this — they conform to the body's shape and redistribute weight.
Spinal Support
Pressure relief alone isn't enough. A mattress that lets your hips sink too deep will put your spine out of alignment, which creates a different kind of pain. The mattress needs to support the natural curve of your lower back while cushioning the hip.
Temperature Regulation
Arthritis inflammation can be aggravated by heat. Memory foam's tendency to trap body heat is a real concern. Look for gel-infused memory foam, latex, or hybrid options that maintain better airflow.
Motion Isolation
If you share your bed, a mattress that absorbs movement means your partner's repositioning won't jar your joints. Memory foam excels here; latex is decent; traditional innerspring is poor.
Ease of Movement
Arthritis can make getting in and out of bed difficult. A mattress that's too soft creates a "sinking" effect that requires more effort to move. A mattress with some responsiveness (like latex or a hybrid) makes repositioning easier.
04The Firmness Question
Most sleep experts recommend a medium to medium-firm mattress for hip arthritis — typically a 5–7 on a 1–10 scale. Here's the logic:
- Too soft (1–4): Hips sink too deeply, spine falls out of alignment, surrounding muscles strain.
- Medium (5–6): Hip cushions adequately, spine stays neutral, pressure points are relieved without over-sinkage.
- Too firm (8–10): No give at the hip joint, pressure point pain increases, joint inflammation may worsen.
Important caveat: Your body weight matters. A lighter person (under 130 lbs) may find a medium mattress feels firm and need something softer. A heavier person (over 230 lbs) may find medium-soft too soft and need medium-firm for adequate support.
05Which Mattress Types Work Best
| Type | Pressure Relief | Support | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory Foam | Excellent | Good | Fair (gel: Good) | Excellent | Side sleepers, couples |
| Latex | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Good | Those who run hot, eco-conscious |
| Hybrid | Very Good | Excellent | Good | Good | All-around; good for heavier sleepers |
| Traditional Innerspring | Poor | Good | Good | Poor | Not recommended for hip arthritis |
06Top Picks at LA Mattress for Hip Arthritis
Diamond Gravity 13 Cool Gel Grid Hybrid
One of our top recommendations for arthritis in the hips. The cool gel grid layer actively dissipates heat while pocketed coils underneath provide zone-specific support. The hybrid construction means you get the contouring benefits of foam without losing responsiveness. Good for side and back sleepers with hip pain.
- Best for: Side sleepers who run warm, moderate to heavy builds
- Firmness: Medium
Polina Gel Memory Foam Euro Top by Diamond Mattress
Gel memory foam with a plush euro top — the combination delivers deep pressure relief for the hip without the overheating that standard memory foam can cause. If you're a side sleeper with significant hip pain, the extra cushion of the euro top makes a real difference.
- Best for: Side sleepers with significant hip pain, warm sleepers
- Firmness: Medium-Soft
Harvest Green Essential Natural Latex
Natural latex provides a unique combination of pressure relief and responsiveness. Unlike memory foam, it doesn't make you feel "trapped" — you can reposition easily, which matters when hip pain makes nighttime movement difficult. Naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, it's a strong choice for those sensitive to chemicals.
- Best for: Back sleepers, combination sleepers, those sensitive to heat or allergens
- Firmness: Firm (also available in softer variants)
Katrina Euro Top by Spring Air Back Supporter Hybrid
Designed specifically with back and spinal support in mind, this hybrid offers targeted zone support that keeps the lumbar and hip regions properly aligned. The euro top adds softness at the surface without compromising the underlying support structure.
- Best for: Back sleepers and side sleepers with both hip and lower back pain
- Firmness: Medium to Medium-Firm
07Sleeping Position Tips for Hip Arthritis
Your mattress matters, but so does how you use it.
Best Sleeping Positions
- Back sleeping: Often the most comfortable for hip arthritis. Place a pillow under your knees to reduce pressure on the hip joint and lower back.
- Side sleeping on the unaffected hip: If only one hip is arthritic, sleep on the other side. Put a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned and reduce stress on the affected joint.
Positions to Minimize
- Side sleeping on the affected hip: Direct pressure on the painful joint. Avoid when possible.
- Stomach sleeping: Forces your hip into extension and internally rotates the joint — generally a poor choice for hip arthritis.
Other Tools That Help
- A firm body pillow between your knees takes significant stress off the hip when side sleeping
- A mattress topper can extend the life of a slightly-too-firm mattress — see options here
- An adjustable base allows you to elevate your legs, reducing hip pressure and making it easier to get in and out of bed
08Before You Buy: Try It in Person
Hip arthritis varies considerably from person to person — what relieves pain for one person may aggravate another. The best way to find your match is to lie on the mattress for at least 10–15 minutes in your typical sleeping position.
At any of our 5 LA showrooms, our sleep experts can walk you through the options based on your specific situation. We'll ask about your pain location, sleep position, and what hasn't worked before. No pressure, no upsell — just practical guidance.
We also offer a 120-night comfort guarantee, so if a mattress that felt right in the store doesn't work at home, you're not stuck with it.
09Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress is best for arthritis in the hips?
Memory foam and latex are most commonly recommended because of their superior pressure relief. Hybrids are also a strong choice, especially for heavier sleepers who need more support. Avoid traditional innerspring mattresses without a substantial comfort layer.
Should I choose firm or soft for hip arthritis?
Medium to medium-firm is the general recommendation — firm enough to maintain spinal alignment, soft enough to cushion the hip. "Soft" is rarely the right answer; it lets the hip sink too far and causes alignment problems.
Can a mattress topper help with hip arthritis?
Yes. A 2–3" memory foam or latex topper can add meaningful pressure relief to a mattress that's too firm. It's a cost-effective option if your current mattress is still structurally sound.
Is an adjustable bed good for hip arthritis?
Often, yes. Elevating the legs reduces pressure on the hip joint, and the ability to adjust position throughout the night helps avoid prolonged pressure in one spot. See our adjustable base options.
How often should I replace my mattress if I have arthritis?
Every 7–10 years as a baseline, but if you notice your pain getting worse and the mattress is more than 5–6 years old and showing sagging, replace it sooner. Joint pain amplifies the effects of a worn-out mattress.
Can side sleeping worsen hip arthritis?
Sleeping on the affected side can increase pressure on the joint and worsen pain. Try sleeping on the opposite side with a pillow between your knees, or switch to back sleeping with a pillow under your knees.
What is the best sleeping position for hip arthritis?
Back sleeping with a pillow under the knees is typically best. It keeps the hip joint in a neutral position with minimal pressure. Side sleeping on the unaffected hip (with a knee pillow) is a good second option.
Can a bad mattress cause hip pain?
Yes. A mattress that's too firm creates pressure point pain; one that's too soft causes alignment problems that strain joints and muscles. Both can cause or worsen hip pain, even without underlying arthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Memory foam and latex are most commonly recommended because of their superior pressure relief. Hybrids are also a strong choice, especially for heavier sleepers who need more support. Avoid traditional innerspring mattresses without a substantial comfort layer.
Medium to medium-firm is the general recommendation — firm enough to maintain spinal alignment, soft enough to cushion the hip. "Soft" is rarely the right answer; it lets the hip sink too far and causes alignment problems.
Yes. A 2–3" memory foam or latex topper can add meaningful pressure relief to a mattress that's too firm. It's a cost-effective option if your current mattress is still structurally sound.
Often, yes. Elevating the legs reduces pressure on the hip joint, and the ability to adjust position throughout the night helps avoid prolonged pressure in one spot. See our adjustable base options.
Every 7–10 years as a baseline, but if you notice your pain getting worse and the mattress is more than 5–6 years old and showing sagging, replace it sooner. Joint pain amplifies the effects of a worn-out mattress.
Sleeping on the affected side can increase pressure on the joint and worsen pain. Try sleeping on the opposite side with a pillow between your knees, or switch to back sleeping with a pillow under your knees.
Back sleeping with a pillow under the knees is typically best. It keeps the hip joint in a neutral position with minimal pressure. Side sleeping on the unaffected hip (with a knee pillow) is a good second option.
Yes. A mattress that's too firm creates pressure point pain; one that's too soft causes alignment problems that strain joints and muscles. Both can cause or worsen hip pain, even without underlying arthritis.
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