Whether you’re reading a book, watching your latest TV binge, or attempting to get your eight nightly hours of sleep, your bed should be the comfiest spot in your home. That may not be the case if you’re dealing with chronic back, hip, and joint pain, where lying down is more of a nightmare than a dream. Sleeping on a bad mattress will only make things worse, so we’re here to help you find one that combines comfort and support.
Shopping for the perfect, Goldilocks-style bed can feel like a pain in the neck (pun intended), and there are a few factors to consider: Are you a hot sleeper? A back sleeper? Do you share a bed with a partner? All of these questions are worth considering when searching for a mattress that won’t aggravate your pain.
Not only did we do extensive research to determine the best mattresses for back, hip, and joint pain, but we also interviewed two experts: Chris Tomshack, DO and CEO of HealthSource Chiropractic, and Byron Golub, Vice President of Product & Merchandising at Saatva, to help lead you to a better night’s sleep.
What is the best type of mattress for back and hip pain?
In short, it depends. “People with back pain generally sleep better on a medium-firm mattress,” says Dr. Tomshack. “A hybrid mattress that has both coils and natural latex most thoroughly provides this solution. The coils deliver excellent support, while the natural latex provides a pleasant level of softness.”
People with hip pain, though, may need something a little different. “If they are side sleepers, they’ll sleep better with proper alignment on a softer mattress,” says Dr. Tomshack. “This significantly reduces pressure points over their hips. A soft-topped hybrid mattress will also have coils that, in turn, provide quality support.”
Golub agrees that latex is a good material for alleviating pain: “It offers a good balance between comfort and support. People often describe the feeling of lying on latex as ‘floating’ on top of the mattress. Latex is also known for its excellent airflow and cooling properties, so it’s a great option for those who prefer a cooler sleep surface.”
Innerspring and memory foam models have their benefits, too: “Innerspring mattresses are known for their responsiveness and suit a wide range of sleep styles,” says Golub. “They’re easy to get in and out of and are ideal for those who tend to move around a lot in bed. Memory foam, on the other hand, conforms to your body and provides a body-hugging feeling. It’s excellent at relieving joint pain and providing spinal support, but it can also retain heat.”
How does a mattress’s composition affect its support level?
“Support comes from the core of the mattress, rather than from how its surface feels,” explains Golub. “In foam models, that comes from the denser bottom layers of foam, while in innerspring styles it comes from the spring system.” He adds that firmness does not always equal optimal support. “A soft mattress can still be supportive enough if its bottom layers provide proper support for a person’s specific body type.”
Do “zones” in mattresses help reduce back or hip pain?
When shopping, you’ll probably notice that some models have built-in zones. “Mattress zones can help provide additional support and comfort to different areas of the body,” says Golub. “Zones of differing firmness can help maintain optimal spinal alignment, which reduces the likelihood of waking up with a sore back or achy joints.”
Ready to make a decision? Here’s what our experts recommend to soothe aching joints.
Best Mattresses for Hip and Back Pain 2025
Best Overall: WinkBed Luxury Firm Mattress
WinkBed
This hybrid model combines zoned coils with a plush pillow top for ultimate comfort and support. That means that while it is fluffy to lie on, you’ll still feel pressure relief and motion isolation all throughout, from edge to edge. It’s available in three firmness levels, but we recommend the Luxury Firm for those dealing with pain, no matter what type of sleeper you are.
Best Budget: Novilla Vitality Hybrid Mattress
Amazon
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a new mattress, you’ll love the Novilla Vitality. This under-$300 hybrid version has a medium-firm feel that’s designed for all sleeping positions, plus cooling features that promote better airflow. It also ships faster than most brands, and you can usually receive it from Amazon within a week if you have a Prime subscription.
Best Splurge: Purple RejuvenatePremier Mattress
Purple
It’s definitely a splurge, but the Purple RejuvenatePremier is worth it. In addition to coils and latex, it has a double layer of Purple’s proprietary GelFlex Grid, which provides targeted support that differs from head to toe, so your neck is cradled separately from your hip or knees. It’s a personalized experience that your joints will thank you for!
Best Organic Option: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
PlushBeds
In addition to its supportive, pressure-relieving feel, this PlushBeds style is one of the most eco-friendly options on the market. It contains luxury materials like certified organic latex, cotton, and wool, and comes with a bevy of certifications that ensure its parts are easy on the environment. There are two firmness levels available to suit all kinds of sleepers.
Best Foam: Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress
Amazon
Nectar makes Wake-Up Call readers’ favorite mattress. This all-foam option is a great alternative to more expensive innerspring or hybrid beds but it doesn’t sacrifice comfort, thanks to its two-foam layer system (one for pressure relief and one for support). Foam has a reputation for running hot, but this specific one includes a cooling cover that will ensure a sweat-free night.
Best for Hot Sleepers: Puffy Monarch Mattress
Puffy
If you do sweat frequently while sleeping, check out the Puffy Monarch. This hybrid model has better airflow than an all-foam one, plus it’s made from high-quality, naturally breathable materials like latex and alpaca wool. It’s supportive, too, thanks to the specialized foam construction and extra layer designed to alleviate pressure.
Best for Side Sleepers: Saatva Rx Mattress
Saatva
The Saatva Rx is made specifically for those suffering from back and joint pain, with a “supportive plush” feel that’s particularly suitable for side sleepers. It’s constructed to ensure pressure relief and spinal alignment, with a zoned design that cradles all your sore spots.
Best Best for Back & Stomach Sleepers: Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Amazon
As you can probably guess from the name, Plank’s mattresses (there are currently two) have a firm feel that’s made for back and stomach sleepers. The Firm Luxe model is double-sided and made up of coils and high-density foams, so you don’t have to choose a firmness level before buying. If you ever want to test a different level of support, all you have to do is flip the bed to the other side.
