Is your mattress causing your hip pain?#

Hip pain that is worse in the morning or develops during sleep — as opposed to pain caused by an injury or condition that is present throughout the day — is frequently mattress-related. The hip is a pressure point, particularly for side sleepers, and a mattress that's too firm creates a compressive force on the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the outer hip) and the bursa beneath it.

Before assuming your mattress is the problem, it's worth noting that hip bursitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), osteoarthritis and hip labral tears can all cause sleep-related pain. If you have persistent hip pain, consult your GP — a better mattress may help, but a proper diagnosis is important.

How firmness affects hip pain#

For most hip pain sufferers (particularly side sleepers), a softer mattress provides better pressure relief at the hip. However, too soft leads to the hip sinking excessively, which can angle the lumbar spine awkwardly and create a different pain pattern. The goal is enough give to relieve the pressure point without losing overall spinal alignment.

  • Side sleepers with hip pain: Medium-soft to medium. Allow the hip to sink just enough to relieve direct pressure.
  • Back sleepers with hip pain: Medium to medium-firm. Hip pressure is less acute in this position; the priority is lumbar support.

Best mattress types for hip pain#

  • Memory foam: The best material for pressure relief at the hip. The contouring fills the contours of the hip and distributes weight away from the pressure point. High on our recommendation list for hip pain sufferers.
  • Soft hybrid: Provides good pressure relief from the foam comfort layer while maintaining overall support from the spring base.
  • Natural latex: More responsive than memory foam, provides good pressure relief without the slow-sinking sensation.
  • Firm mattresses: Generally worsen hip pain for side sleepers by increasing compressive forces on the hip joint.

Sleep position adjustments for hip pain#

  • Pillow between the knees (side sleepers): Placing a pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side keeps the hips level, reducing torsional stress on the hip joint. This alone can significantly reduce hip pain.
  • Alternate sides: If you always sleep on the same side, the dominant hip absorbs all the pressure. Consciously alternating sides distributes the load more evenly.
  • Try back sleeping: Takes all compressive force off the hip. Use a pillow under the knees to reduce lumbar strain.

When a mattress topper might help#

If your mattress is otherwise in good condition but the surface is too firm for your hip pain, a 5–7 cm memory foam topper can provide meaningful pressure relief at lower cost than replacing the entire mattress. Ensure the mattress beneath is still structurally sound — a topper over a sagging mattress will not solve the problem.