Can a Mattress Cause Hip Pain?
Yes, a mattress can contribute to hip pain, though it's rarely the only cause. Hip pain at night is often linked to conditions such as bursitis, arthritis or tendon problems. What a mattress does is decide how much pressure sits on your hips, and whether your hips stay in line with your spine, for seven or eight hours a night.
Two things go wrong most often:
- Too much pressure. On a firm mattress, a side sleeper's weight presses through the point of the hip into a surface that doesn't give.
- Poor alignment. On a soft or sagging mattress, the hips sink lower than the shoulders, which bends the spine and strains the hip.
Health note: this guide is about sleep comfort. See a doctor if hip pain is severe, follows a fall, keeps you from walking or bearing weight, comes with swelling, redness or fever, or doesn't improve.
Our Top Picks for Hip Pain
- Medium or Medium-Firm; split sizes available
- Trial: 365-night return policy (per product page)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Medium or Medium-Firm
- Trial: 365-night return policy (per product page)
- Warranty: Lifetime ('Forever Warranty')
- Soft side and firm side
- Trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
The PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop is our top pick: a 3-inch pillow top over organic latex that cushions the hips without letting them sag. The PlushBeds Signature Bliss adds zoned coils, and the Layla Memory Foam is the flippable value pick.
Common Causes of Hip Pain at Night
Your mattress isn't the only possible cause. Common conditions include:
| Condition | What It Is | Why It's Worse at Night |
|---|---|---|
| Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome) | Pain over the outer hip | Lying on the affected side presses on it |
| Osteoarthritis | Wear of the hip joint cartilage | Stiffness after lying still |
| Tendon problems | Irritated tendons around the hip | Pressure and stretched positions |
| Lower back problems | Pain referred to the hip or buttock | Spinal position during sleep |
| Pregnancy | Loosened ligaments and extra weight | Side sleeping for long periods |
The Cleveland Clinic lists pain when lying on the affected side as a common symptom of trochanteric bursitis, and notes that lying on one hip for a long time is one possible cause. A doctor can tell you what's causing your pain and how to treat it.
Signs Your Mattress May Be Making Hip Pain Worse
- Your hip hurts more in the morning and eases once you're up and moving.
- You wake up when you roll onto one side.
- You sleep better on other beds, such as in a hotel.
- You can see or feel a dip where your hips rest.
- Your mattress is old. Many people replace a mattress every 7–10 years, though quality varies.
- Your partner rolls toward you, which suggests sagging in the middle.
How Firmness Affects Hip Pain
| Firmness | What Happens at the Hips | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Hips sink deeply; can fall out of line with shoulders | Very light side sleepers |
| Medium | Hips sink enough to relieve pressure while staying aligned | Most side sleepers with hip pain |
| Medium-firm | Supportive with moderate cushioning | Back and combination sleepers; heavier side sleepers with a soft top |
| Firm | Concentrated pressure on the hip bone | Stomach sleepers; heavier back sleepers |
For most people with hip pain who sleep on their side, medium is the best starting point. Research on back pain generally favors medium-firm over firm, which suits back sleepers.
Mattress Types and Hip Pain
Memory Foam
Memory foam contours closely, so it spreads pressure over a wider area. That can feel good on sore hips. Choose a medium or medium-firm model with a supportive base. Very soft foam can let the hips sink out of line.
Latex
Latex contours to the hip but pushes back evenly, so it relieves pressure without as much sinking. It's also responsive, which helps if moving in bed hurts. A latex pillow top is one of the best combinations for side sleepers with hip pain.
Innerspring
Traditional innersprings can feel firm at the hips and may sag over time. A thick pillow top improves pressure relief.
Hybrid
Hybrids pair supportive coils with foam or latex comfort layers. A hybrid with a thick top layer gives the hips cushioning and the spine support. Zoned coils add support where the body is heaviest.
Hip Pain Mattress Comparison
| Mattress | Type | Firmness | Trial | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop | Organic latex with pillow top | Medium or Medium-Firm; split sizes available | 365-night return policy (per product page) | Lifetime |
| PlushBeds Signature Bliss Pillowtop | Pillow-top latex hybrid | Medium or Medium-Firm | 365-night return policy (per product page) | Lifetime ('Forever Warranty') |
| Layla Memory Foam Mattress | Flippable memory foam | Soft side and firm side | 120 nights | Lifetime |
| Aviya Mattress (Plush) | Hybrid innerspring | Plush (softer high-density foams) | 100 nights | 10-year, non-prorated |
| Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress | Latex hybrid, 11" | Medium (ILD 24–26) or Medium-Firm (ILD 29–31) | 90 nights | 15-year limited |
| Airpedic Multi-Zone Air Bed | Adjustable-firmness air bed | Adjustable by zone | 120 nights | See Airpedic's current terms |
The Best Mattresses for Hip Pain Reviewed
PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop: Best Overall for Hip Pain
Best for: Buyers who want an organic latex bed with extra plushness on top
| Type | Organic latex with pillow top |
|---|---|
| Pillow top | 3" of added comfort |
| Firmness | Medium or Medium-Firm; split sizes available |
| Latex | GOLS-certified organic Dunlop (Arpico) |
| Cover | GOTS-certified organic cotton |
| Certifications | GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD Gold |
| Fiberglass | None, per PlushBeds |
| Trial | 365-night return policy (per product page) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
- Organic latex plus a plush 3-inch top layer
- PlushBeds says it's made without chemical flame retardants, fiberglass or toxic foams
- Split sizes, including split queen, allow two firmness levels
- Among PlushBeds' higher-priced models
- Pillow-top beds are tall and heavy, so check sheet depth
The Organic Bliss adds a 3-inch plush pillow top over organic latex. The pillow top cushions the hip, and the latex keeps the spine supported. Choose Medium for side sleeping. Split sizes let each partner choose a different firmness. See our PlushBeds review.
PlushBeds Signature Bliss Pillowtop: Best Hybrid for Hip Pain
Best for: Side sleepers and couples who want a cushioned pillow top over coils
| Type | Pillow-top latex hybrid |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium or Medium-Firm |
| Comfort layer | GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex (Arpico) |
| Support | 5-zoned fabric-encased coils |
| Fire barrier | GOTS-certified organic British wool |
| Cover | GOTS-certified organic cotton |
| Trial | 365-night return policy (per product page) |
| Warranty | Lifetime ('Forever Warranty') |
- Encased coils limit motion transfer for couples
- Organic latex pillow top cushions shoulders and hips
- Handcrafted in California
- Premium price tier
- Pillow tops can compress faster than the layers beneath them
A latex pillow top over a 5-zoned coil core, in Medium or Medium-Firm. The coils add bounce and airflow and make it easier to change position.
Layla Memory Foam: Best Value for Hip Pain
Best for: Budget shoppers who want two firmness options in one bed
| Type | Flippable memory foam |
|---|---|
| Height | 10.5" |
| Firmness | Soft side and firm side |
| Foam | Copper-gel-infused high-resilience memory foam |
| Certifications | CertiPUR-US |
| Fiberglass | None, per Layla |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
- Flip it to switch between soft and firm
- Fiberglass-free, per Layla
- Lifetime warranty
- Memory foam feel isn't for everyone
- Not latex or organic
Sleep on the soft side for more hip cushioning, or flip to the firm side if you need more support. See our Layla review.
Aviya Plush: Best Plush Innerspring for Hip Pain
Best for: Side sleepers and lighter people who want a soft, hotel-style hybrid
| Type | Hybrid innerspring |
|---|---|
| Height | 13" |
| Firmness | Plush (softer high-density foams) |
| Coils | 1,200 individually wrapped coils (king) |
| Edge | 7.5" x 3" high-density perimeter foam |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year, non-prorated |
| Made in | Cleveland, Ohio |
- Soft feel over supportive pocketed coils
- Firm foam edge for sitting and getting up
- Made in the USA
- Not latex or organic
- Heavier side sleepers may prefer the Luxury Firm
Aviya suggests its Plush for side sleepers who need extra pressure relief at the hips and shoulders, and for lighter people. See our Aviya review.
Eco Terra (Medium): Best Value Organic Latex Hybrid
Best for: Value-minded shoppers who still want organic certifications
| Type | Latex hybrid, 11" |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Medium (ILD 24–26) or Medium-Firm (ILD 29–31) |
| Latex | GOLS-certified organic Arpico latex |
| Wool/cotton | GOTS organic wool and cotton; wool also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
| Coils | Fabric-encased Quantum coils |
| Trial | 90 nights |
| Warranty | 15-year limited |
| Made in | Los Angeles, California |
- Organic latex, wool and cotton at a lower price tier than most organic hybrids
- Encased coils limit partner disturbance
- No polyurethane foam, per Eco Terra
- 90-night trial is shorter than many rivals
- Fewer firmness choices than adjustable-layer latex beds
Eco Terra recommends its Medium (ILD 24–26) for side sleepers and anyone who needs extra relief at the shoulders, hips and knees. See our Eco Terra review.
Airpedic: Best Adjustable Firmness for Hip Pain
Best for: Couples who disagree on firmness, or anyone whose comfort needs change
| Type | Adjustable-firmness air bed |
|---|---|
| Firmness | Adjustable by zone |
| Adjustment | 3 air zones per side (head, middle and feet) |
| Models | 500 to 1200 series |
| Heights | 10" to 14.5" depending on model |
| Comfort layers | 2 to 4 layers depending on model |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | See Airpedic's current terms |
| Made in | USA (per Airpedic) |
- Change firmness by zone, not just by side
- Wide model range, from basic to plush comfort layers
- Pitched as a lower-cost alternative to Sleep Number
- Air pumps and chambers add parts that can fail
- Not a natural or organic mattress
If your hip pain varies, Airpedic's adjustable air chambers let you soften or firm the bed whenever you need. See our Airpedic review.
Our top pick is the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss: certified organic latex in Medium or Medium-Firm, with a comfort exchange if you need it.
View Botanical BlissSleeping Positions and Hip Pain
Side Sleeping
Side sleeping puts the most pressure on the hips. To make it easier:
- Sleep on the side without pain if you can.
- Put a pillow between your knees so the top leg doesn't pull the hip forward.
- Choose a medium mattress or add a topper.
Back Sleeping
Back sleeping spreads weight evenly and takes pressure off the outer hip. Put a pillow under your knees to relax the hips and lower back.
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleeping can arch the lower back and rotate the hips. A firmer mattress helps keep the hips level, but many people with hip pain find back or side sleeping more comfortable.
Other Ways to Ease Hip Pain at Night
Try a Mattress Topper
If your mattress is supportive but too firm, a 2- to 3-inch latex, wool or memory foam topper can add hip cushioning. A topper can't fix a sagging mattress. See our guides to the best mattress topper for side sleepers and for back pain.
Check Your Pillow
A pillow that's too high or too low can twist the spine, which affects the hips. Side sleepers need a pillow that keeps the head level.
Rotate or Replace Your Mattress
Rotating some mattresses head-to-foot every few months can even out wear. If there's a dip where your hips rest, it's time to replace it.
Daily Habits
- Stay active with gentle movement, as your doctor allows.
- Stretch gently before bed if a physical therapist recommends it.
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed for long periods.
Hip Pain During Pregnancy
Hip pain is common in pregnancy, partly because many people are advised to sleep on their side later in pregnancy. A medium mattress with a cushioned top, a pillow between the knees and a body pillow can help. Ask your doctor or midwife about anything that worries you.
Related Guides
See our guides to the best mattress for side sleepers, the best pillow top mattress and mattresses for lower back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Mattress Cause Hip Pain?
A mattress is unlikely to cause a hip condition on its own, but one that's too firm, too soft or sagging can put pressure on the hip or pull it out of alignment for hours, which may cause or worsen soreness.
What Kind of Mattress Is Best for Hip Pain?
Side sleepers with hip pain usually do best on a medium mattress with a thick, contouring top, such as a pillow-top latex or hybrid. Back sleepers often prefer medium-firm.
Can a Mattress That's Too Firm Cause Hip Pain?
Yes, especially for side sleepers. A very firm surface pushes back on the hip bone, concentrating pressure on a small area.
Can a Soft Mattress Cause Hip Pain?
It can. If the hips sink much deeper than the shoulders, the spine and hips are pulled out of line, which may strain the hip and lower back.
Is Memory Foam Good for Hip Pain?
Medium memory foam can relieve hip pressure well because it contours closely. Choose one with a supportive base so the hips don't sink too far.
How Do I Stop My Hips From Hurting at Night?
Try a pillow between your knees, switch sides, add a topper if your mattress is too firm, and replace a sagging mattress. See a doctor if pain is ongoing or severe.
Should I Sleep on the Side of My Painful Hip?
Most people find it more comfortable to sleep on the side without pain, or on the back. Pressure on an inflamed hip, such as with bursitis, can make it worse.
The Bottom Line
A mattress can make hip pain worse if it's too firm, too soft or sagging, especially for side sleepers. For most people with hip pain, a medium mattress with a thick, contouring top is the best fit. The PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop is our top pick, the Signature Bliss adds zoned coils, and the Layla Memory Foam is the best value. If pain continues, see a doctor to find the cause.
Our top pick is the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss: certified organic latex in Medium or Medium-Firm, with a comfort exchange if you need it.
View Botanical Bliss