Hip Replacement Recovery
How to turn in bed with Hip Replacement Recovery
Step-by-step guides for turning in bed when you have Hip Replacement Recovery. Practical methods from real bed mobility guides.
Quick answer
After hip replacement, always turn toward your non-operated side using a log-roll with a pillow between your knees. Keep the operated leg slightly away from your body's centre line at all times. To get up: log-roll to the edge, drop both legs together, push up with your arms, and stand in two stages.
Key steps
- 1.Always turn toward the non-operated side — never roll directly onto the operated hip.
- 2.Keep a firm pillow between your knees at all times in bed. This is not optional.
- 3.Use the log-roll: knees, hips, and shoulders move together as one unit. No twisting.
- 4.Never cross the operated leg past the midline of your body.
- 5.To get out of bed: log-roll to edge, both legs off together, push up with arms, pause sitting, stand in two stages.
- 6.Raise the bed if your hip bends past 90 degrees when you sit on the edge.
- 7.Keep bedside essentials on the non-operated side to avoid twisting to reach them.
- 8.Use a loose duvet instead of tucked sheets so your legs can move freely.
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Snoozle Slide Sheet
A home-use slide sheet that reduces mattress friction so you can reposition sideways instead of lifting. Made from comfortable fabric — not nylon, no handles. Designed for you, not for a caregiver.
- ✓Less friction when turning — less effort, less pain
- ✓Comfortable fabric you can sleep on all night
- ✓Handle-free — quiet, independent, self-use
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In-depth guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn in bed after hip replacement without dislocating?▼
Use a log-roll: place a firm pillow between your knees, bend both knees gently, and roll your knees, hips, and shoulders together as one unit toward the non-operated side. Never cross the operated leg past the midline. The pillow keeps your legs apart.
Which side should I sleep on after hip replacement?▼
Sleep on your non-operated side with a firm pillow between your knees. You can also sleep on your back with the pillow between your knees. Avoid sleeping on the operated side for the first 6-12 weeks or as long as your surgeon advises.
How do I get out of bed after hip replacement surgery?▼
Log-roll to the edge on your non-operated side. Drop both legs off the edge together with the pillow between your knees. Push up with your arms. Sit on the edge for 10-15 seconds, then stand in two stages using a walker or sturdy furniture for balance.
How high should my bed be after hip replacement?▼
When you sit on the edge of the bed, your hip should be above your knee level. If your hip bends past 90 degrees when sitting, the bed is too low. Use bed risers or a firm mattress topper to raise the surface.
Can I sleep without a pillow between my knees after hip replacement?▼
No — the pillow between your knees is your mechanical safeguard against crossing the midline. Keep it in place at all times during sleep for the first 6-12 weeks or as long as your surgeon recommends.
What if I accidentally roll onto my operated side at night?▼
Place a pillow behind your back before sleep to prevent accidental rolling. If you do roll onto the operated side, gently log-roll back to your back or non-operated side. If you feel a pop or sudden pain, call your surgeon.
Does a slide sheet help after hip replacement?▼
A slide sheet reduces mattress friction so the log-roll completes smoothly. This prevents the halfway stall that makes people instinctively push with the operated leg, which can break hip precautions.