Hi Fiona,

Many thanks for your email and sorry to hear your mattress is hurting your hips and shoulder during the night. That's definitely not a good sign.

Usually, sore hips and shoulders are a sign of a mattress that is too firm in the comfort layers. Comfort layers are the fibres placed on top of the pocket spring support system that provides the true feel of the mattress. I would hazard a guess, that you've chosen a mattress based on the spring tension which is why it is punishingly firm.

Spring tensions in mattresses should be picked based on your bodyweight and nothing else. The confusion of Soft, Medium and Firm spring tensions has led people to believe that this also selects the ‘feel’ of the mattress. ie a soft spring will lead to a soft bed. Which couldn’t be further from the truth and maybe why your mattress is so uncomfortable.

It is the mattress upholstery that provides the overall feel of the mattress whether you prefer a Soft, Medium or Firmer feel bed. The spring tension is set by your bodyweight. The reason for this is that the springs have been designed to accommodate certain weight and react to them properly. The springs are made to allow compression and then extension in a mattress ie to sink slightly when you get on them and then push back against you.

Ideally, we would need to know what bodyweight you are to recommend the exact spring tension. Have a look below at the table to work out which spring tension you require.

If you're a side sleeper its advisable to have a medium or softer feel comfort layer. This allows your hips and shoulders to sink in before the support from the other fibres and springs kick in. Therefore I'd recommend a medium feel in the upholstery layer that allows you to sink in softly before getting medium support once your hips and shoulders have settled into the top layer.

Have a look at the two models below for ideal mattress models for side sleepers.

Origins Pocket 1500 Medium feel Mattress for Side Sleepers:

The Origins Pocket 1500 mattress is one of our best selling entry-level pocket sprung hand made mattresses. It offers a forgiving medium support which is ideal for side sleepers. Our most popular man-made, natural fibre mattress combines a 1500 pocket-spring unit with 1550gsm of luxurious fillings, for a soothingly satisfying sleep experience. Read more about this side sleeper mattress.

Origins Comfort 1000 for Side Sleepers

If you're looking for a softer feel in the top layer then the Origins Comfort will give you the softest feel for a side sleeper. Though this is the softest feel in our range so won't suit people looking for a medium feel in the top layer.

Artisan Naturals Mattress for Side Sleepers

Our Artisan Naturals mattress is our most popular model of all time, and for good reason. This 85% Natural fibre mattress combined with the ultimate vanadium coated calico encased pocket spring unit leads the way in comfort for side sleepers. Offering supportive yet comfortable upholstery layers in this hand made model. It features a 1600 hand-tied pocket springs and 3950 GSM of mattress upholstery. Find out more on this ultimate side sleeper mattress.

If you're interested in seeing how different mattress upholstery types affect the feel of the mattress the handy table may help you identify the best fibres and price point.

We hope that helps and gives you further mattress buying guidance. If you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419.

Sleep well
John & Ryan