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Hip pain and mattress choice are more closely linked than most people realise, particularly for side sleepers. The wrong mattress can concentrate pressure directly on the hip joint every single night, while the right one distributes that pressure away from it. Here's what actually helps, and which of our mattresses are worth considering.

Why Hip Pain and Mattress Choice Are Connected

Side sleeping puts more direct pressure on the hip than any other sleep position, since it's often the single point bearing the most body weight against the mattress surface. A mattress that's too firm doesn't yield at all under that pressure, concentrating it into a small area; one that's too soft lets the hip sink too far, pulling the spine out of alignment and straining the lower back as well. The goal is a mattress that cushions the hip enough to relieve pressure while still keeping the spine supported.

What to Look For

Pressure Relief and Zoned Support

A mattress with genuine pressure relief around the hips reduces the concentrated load on the joint, while zoned support — firmer springs or foam under the shoulders and hips, softer through the midsection — helps keep the spine aligned at the same time. Our pocket sprung mattress guide explains how zoning works in more detail.

Material Matters

Memory foam and natural latex both contour closely to the body, cushioning the hip rather than resisting it, which is why both are commonly recommended for hip pain specifically. Latex has the added advantage of responding immediately to movement, making it easier to shift position in the night rather than feeling stuck in one spot. Our natural latex mattress guide and memory foam mattress guide cover both in more depth.

Firmness by Body Weight

• Lighter sleepers (under roughly 60kg): a soft to medium-soft mattress generally gives the pressure relief needed without feeling unsupportive.
• Average build (60–90kg): medium-firm is usually the best balance of contouring and spinal support.
• Heavier build (over 90kg): a firmer mattress prevents excess sinkage, which can otherwise pull the spine out of alignment even with good pressure relief at the surface.

Which Mattress Type Suits Hip Pain Best?

A hybrid mattress — a pocket spring base topped with memory foam or latex — is often the strongest general choice, combining the pressure relief of a soft comfort layer with the structural support of a spring core underneath. Our hybrid mattress guide covers this construction if you want more detail, and if hip pain sits alongside broader back concerns, our orthopaedic mattress guide and best bed for back pain guide are worth reading too.

Our Picks for Hip Pain at Bed Innovation

Mayfair 2000 Pillow Top Mattress
A plush pillow top over pocket springs, giving strong pressure relief right where the hip contacts the mattress.

Penelope 2000 Pocket Sprung Latex Mattress
Responsive natural latex cushioning that contours to the hip while making it easy to change position.

Browse the full range in our mattresses collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best mattress type for hip pain?

Memory foam, natural latex, and hybrid mattresses combining spring support with a foam or latex comfort layer are generally the most effective for relieving hip pressure while keeping the spine supported.

Should a mattress for hip pain be firm or soft?

It depends on body weight and sleep position — side sleepers generally need more give around the hip than back or front sleepers, and lighter people typically need a softer feel than heavier people to get the same pressure relief.

Can a mattress topper help with hip pain if I don't want a new mattress?

A topper can add extra cushioning to an existing mattress, though it won't fix an underlying issue like poor zoning or a worn-out spring unit — it works best as a top-up rather than a full solution.

Is a firm mattress bad for hip pain?

For side sleepers specifically, a very firm mattress can concentrate pressure directly on the hip joint rather than distributing it, which may worsen discomfort. Firmer mattresses tend to suit back and front sleepers better.

Should I see a doctor about ongoing hip pain?

If hip pain is persistent, worsening, or affecting daily activities beyond sleep, it's worth speaking to a GP or physiotherapist alongside any changes to your mattress, since a mattress alone may not address an underlying medical cause.

Final Thoughts

For hip pain, the combination that tends to work best is a contouring comfort layer — memory foam or natural latex — over a supportive, zoned spring base, matched to your body weight and sleep position. If you're not sure which of our mattresses suits your specific needs, our team at the Dewsbury showroom is happy to talk it through.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing ongoing or severe hip pain, please consult a healthcare professional.