Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
6 min read
Why Your Hips Hurt at Night
The hip joint is one of the widest points of your body. When you sleep on your side, your full body weight concentrates on the hip and shoulder. If your mattress does not conform around the hip and distribute that pressure, blood flow is restricted to the soft tissue, causing aching, numbness, and the urge to change positions constantly.
Common conditions that make hip pain worse at night include: trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of the bursa on the outside of the hip), osteoarthritis, hip labral tears, and IT band syndrome. In all these cases, reducing pressure on the hip during sleep is essential for comfort and recovery.
Pressure Mapping Research
Pressure mapping studies show that side sleepers on a firm mattress can experience pressure exceeding 100 mmHg at the hip, well above the 32 mmHg threshold where blood flow is restricted (the same threshold used in pressure ulcer prevention). A medium mattress with memory foam or latex reduces hip pressure to 25-40 mmHg, keeping blood flow healthy and reducing pain signals that cause restless sleep.
The Ideal Mattress for Hip Pain
What to Look For
Firmness: Medium to medium-soft (4-6 on a 10-point scale). Firm mattresses are the worst for hip pain because they push back against the hip rather than conforming around it.
Comfort layer: 3-4 inches of memory foam or latex. Thinner comfort layers bottom out, transferring pressure to the support core. Memory foam excels at conforming to body curves.
Zoned support: Some mattresses have softer foam at the shoulders and firmer at the hips. This keeps the spine al
igned while allowing the hip to sink appropriately.
Support core: Pocketed coils or high-density foam that maintains spinal alignment. The comfort layer relieves pressure, the support core prevents sagging.
Sleep Position Adjustments
Side sleepers with hip pain: Place a firm pillow between your knees. This prevents the top leg from pulling the hip into rotation and reduces strain on the IT band. Sleep on the non-painful side when possible.
Back sleepers with hip pain: Place a pillow under your knees to reduce hip flexor tension. This tilts the pelvis slightly and takes pressure off the hip joint. A medium-firm mattress works well for back sleepers with hip issues.
Stomach sleepers with hip pain: Place a thin pillow under your hips to prevent hyperextension of the lower back, which strains the hip flexors. However, stomach sleeping generally worsens hip alignment. Consider transitioning to side sleeping.
Hip Pain Is Personal
At Mattress Miracle, hip pain is one of the most common concerns we hear. We always ask: which side hurts? What position do you sleep in? How long have you had the mattress? Often, the solution is a mattress with better pressure relief. We carry memory foam, latex, and hybrid options specifically suited for hip pain. Come lie on them in your sleep position and feel the difference in hip pressure yourself. Real testing beats any online description.
Medical disclaimer: Persistent hip pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. A mattress can reduce nighttime discomfort but cannot treat underlying joint or muscular conditions.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Is a firm or soft mattress better for hip pain?
Medium to medium-soft. Firm mattresses create the most hip pressure and are generally the worst choice for hip pain. A mattress that conforms around the hip, distributing pressure, provides the most relief.
Can a mattress topper help with hip pain?
Yes. A 3-4 inch memory foam topper can significantly reduce hip pressure on a too-firm mattress. This is a cost-effective option if your mattress still has good structural support but lacks comfort layer depth.
Memory foam or latex for hip pain?
Memory foam conforms more closely and provides deeper pressure relief. Latex is more responsive and sleeps cooler. For severe hip pain, memory foam is usually better. For moderate hip discomfort with heat sensitivity, latex is a good alternative.
Should I see a doctor about hip pain at night?
If hip pain is new, worsening, or present during the day as well, see your doctor. Night-only hip pain that improves with a better mattress is likely pressure-related. Pain that persists regardless of position may indicate a joint condition requiring medical attention.
Does a pillow between the knees really help?
Yes, significantly. A firm pillow between the knees keeps the top leg aligned with the hip, preventing internal rotation that strains the joint. It also takes pressure off the IT band. Try it for a week and you will likely notice improvement.
Sources
- Jacobson BH, Boolani A, Smith DB. Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. J Chiropr Med. 2009;8(1):1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2008.09.002
- Radwan A, Fess P, James D, et al. Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain. Sleep Health. 2015;1(4):257-267. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Peña A, et al. Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain: randomised, double-blind, controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14792-7
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1997.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.