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.

Our picks for hip pain#

Hip pain in bed is almost always a pressure problem for side sleepers or an alignment problem for back sleepers. The first three picks cushion the hip; the last two support it.

ModelTypeDepthFeelSupportComfortPrice (double)Why it is here
Luxe Nova HybridHybrid30cmMedium-soft7.010.0£449 (sale)Deepest hip cradle we list; side sleepers
Emma OriginalFoam25cmMedium8.48.9£469Medium foam contouring, 200-night trial
Tempure Velure Pillow-TopFoam25cmMedium-soft7.98.6£449Plush pillow top over supportive foam
LuxeOrganic Hybrid LatexLatex hybrid30cmMedium8.68.8£471 (sale)Latex cushions and pushes back; medium
Emma Original ProHybrid25cmMedium-firm9.08.8£699Zoned springs hold the hips level; back sleepers

Prices are for a double at the time of writing (September 2026), using the sale price where the brand runs a permanent one. Full scores are on each review page. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you; it never affects a score.

Side sleepers with hip pain start at the Nova Hybrid or Emma Original; back sleepers whose hips sink start at the Original Pro. If your current mattress is sound and merely too firm, a 5cm topper is a cheaper first step, and our toppers guide explains when that works.

Frequently asked questions#

What firmness is best for hip pain?#

Medium to medium-soft for side sleepers, whose hip bears the weight and needs to sink into the surface; medium-firm for back sleepers, whose hips need holding level. Very firm mattresses are the most common cause of side-sleeper hip pain.

Is memory foam good for hip pain?#

Yes for side sleepers: it contours around the hip and spreads pressure. Choose medium rather than soft so the spine stays level, and expect it to sleep warmer than a hybrid.

Can a mattress topper help hip pain?#

If the mattress underneath is sound and simply too firm, a 5cm memory foam or latex topper often fixes it. If the mattress is sagging or you also have lower-back ache, replace rather than top.

Can a mattress cause hip bursitis?#

A too-firm mattress can aggravate trochanteric bursitis in side sleepers by concentrating pressure on the outer hip. Cushioning the hip and placing a pillow between the knees usually helps; persistent pain needs a GP.