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Back Pain From A Hard Mattress

Back Pain From A Hard Mattress

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Mattress firmness is determined by the manufacturer and will depend on your body weight, body type, and dominant sleeping position. There are many causes of back pain, and it is highly dependent on your individual circumstances and medical condition.

Firmness, position and mattress 'type' (i.e. spring, foam or latex) are important factors that can contribute to your back pain. Any wrong combination can cause unnecessary tension and pressure on your sensitive pressure points.

If you keep sleeping on your bad mattress, you might reach a point where you have to take time off work (and lose money)! If your mattress is not right for you, we recommend getting a new one.

#1 Fix For Back Pain From My Hard Mattress?

Buy a new mattress.

Trying to fix a hard mattress is extremely difficult and time-consuming. Likely better to save yourself from that headache.

You have 2 options:

• Find a short-term solution to make your mattress less hard. For example, a mattress topper. It may or may not work. It'll take several weeks to even know if you're making any progress.
• Buy a different mattress type (more suitable for your body); either an innerspring hybrid, 100% latex, or latex hybrid. We recommend the Saatva Classic. They're an incredible innerspring hybrid with a dual coil construction. If you dislike memory foam and it's causing back pain, the Saatva Classic is legitimately your best available option online.

When experiencing back pain, it's generally best to consult your physician. Particularly in cases when:

• You experience extreme pain or if it radiates to other parts of your body.
• It quickly gets more problematic over time.
• It started with a specific injury.
• It's showing signs of infection like fever or swelling.
• It may be causing weakness, numbness, or tingling in your lower body.

In addition, you should consider replacing your mattress if your sleep is disturbed frequently due to excessive waking.

Why Does My Back Hurt From My Hard Mattress?

Several factors can contribute to this, including:

• Insufficient support
• Mattress being either new or old
• Mattress type
• External factors such as injuries, sorenesses, etc.
• Sleep position

Note: Poor quality mattresses that are extremely firm can misalign the spine. The shoulders and hips are pushed up, and the spine does not rest in a neutral position. It is crucial that your mattress suits your individual body needs, otherwise, it will cause serious back pain and can negatively impact your health.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

How Can I Reduce (+ Relieve) Back Pain From A Hard Mattress?

Determine whether your current mattress is truly right for you or not. Here are a few tips:

• Try sleeping on other cushioned surfaces (couch, spare mattress, different bed) for a few nights. See if that makes a noticeable difference. It likely will. Then, you'll know if your existing mattress is an issue.
• Check if you can return it. There may be a warranty exchange option if there are enough impressions (and sag).

See a physiotherapist and speak to them about your current problems. There could be an underlying musculoskeletal cause for your pain.

How Do I Know If My Firm Mattress Is Causing My Back Pain?

It is difficult to tell unless you have an extra mattress (that's softer) that you can sleep on for a couple of nights. Any soft couch should work (bring your pillows with you).

Your firm mattress may be to blame if:

• You wake up with pain
• You toss and turn frequently
• Your mattress is sinking or enveloping you too much
• You're experiencing pressure point pain
• Your mattress is new
• You wake up during the night
• You rarely dream
• You're always tired
• Your mattress is saggy and uneven

What Firmness Is Best For Back Pain (Harder = Better)?

A common myth is that a firm mattress will give you the best spine support. However, firmness and support are two different things. A study conducted in 2003 found that a medium-firm mattress alleviated lower back pain more effectively than a very firm mattress.

When you sleep on your side or back, a mattress that is too firm will put too much pressure on your joints. However, choosing a firm mattress may be a good choice if your back pain is caused by poor posture while lying down, rather than by pressure from the surface. Also, it's best to buy extra-firm mattresses if you're a heavy front or back sleeper over 250 lbs.

Keep in mind that orthopedic mattresses do not have any official regulations governing their effectiveness in reducing back pain.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain?

Mattresses that provide support and contour to your body to relieve pressure and pain.

In general, a hybrid mattress is the best choice for back pain because it provides adaptable support to the spine and softens pressure points.

What Position Is Best If You Have Back Pain From A Hard Mattress?

New mattresses may require 30-60 nights to 'break in' and adapt to your body shape. You may want to consider returning the mattress if it continues to cause discomfort after 1-2 months.

As a result of not having been exposed to your body weight, new mattresses are usually stiff. You can relax the fibers of the mattress by gently pressing across its entire surface.

Does A New Hard Mattress Cause Back Pain?

New mattresses may require 30-60 nights to 'break in' and adapt to your body shape. You may want to consider returning the mattress if it continues to cause discomfort after 1-2 months.

As a result of not having been exposed to your body weight, new mattresses are usually stiff. You can relax the fibers of the mattress by gently pressing across its entire surface.

Does An Old Hard Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Yes. If your mattress is older than 7 years, then it could be causing your back pain. Mattresses last about 5-7 years with proper care.

In addition, a low-quality mattress may cause back pain even if it is not older than 5-7 years.

Will A Soft Mattress Help My Back Pain From A Hard Mattress?

Extra soft mattresses are suitable for side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. This is because they allow you to sink more deeply into the mattress materials, reducing pressure on your hips and shoulders. Side sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs should avoid soft mattresses.

Your mattress is too soft if your hips sink lower than your shoulders. Your mattress is too firm if your hips and shoulders lie flat.

Your back will suffer if you sleep on a soft mattress that doesn't support your spine. The heavier you are, the more you'll sink into a soft mattress.

Additional Related Secondary Content:

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

Back Pain From A Hard Mattress

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Mattress firmness is determined by the manufacturer and will depend on your body weight, body type, and dominant sleeping position. There are many causes of back pain, and it is highly dependent on your individual circumstances and medical condition.

Firmness, position and mattress 'type' (i.e. spring, foam or latex) are important factors that can contribute to your back pain. Any wrong combination can cause unnecessary tension and pressure on your sensitive pressure points.

If you keep sleeping on your bad mattress, you might reach a point where you have to take time off work (and lose money)! If your mattress is not right for you, we recommend getting a new one.

#1 Fix For Back Pain From My Hard Mattress?

Buy a new mattress.

Trying to fix a hard mattress is extremely difficult and time-consuming. Likely better to save yourself from that headache.

You have 2 options:

• Find a short-term solution to make your mattress less hard. For example, a mattress topper. It may or may not work. It'll take several weeks to even know if you're making any progress.
• Buy a different mattress type (more suitable for your body); either an innerspring hybrid, 100% latex, or latex hybrid. We recommend the Saatva Classic. They're an incredible innerspring hybrid with a dual coil construction. If you dislike memory foam and it's causing back pain, the Saatva Classic is legitimately your best available option online.

When experiencing back pain, it's generally best to consult your physician. Particularly in cases when:

• You experience extreme pain or if it radiates to other parts of your body.
• It quickly gets more problematic over time.
• It started with a specific injury.
• It's showing signs of infection like fever or swelling.
• It may be causing weakness, numbness, or tingling in your lower body.

In addition, you should consider replacing your mattress if your sleep is disturbed frequently due to excessive waking.

Why Does My Back Hurt From My Hard Mattress?

Several factors can contribute to this, including:

• Insufficient support
• Mattress being either new or old
• Mattress type
• External factors such as injuries, sorenesses, etc.
• Sleep position

Note: Poor quality mattresses that are extremely firm can misalign the spine. The shoulders and hips are pushed up, and the spine does not rest in a neutral position. It is crucial that your mattress suits your individual body needs, otherwise, it will cause serious back pain and can negatively impact your health.

How Can I Reduce (+ Relieve) Back Pain From A Hard Mattress?

Determine whether your current mattress is truly right for you or not. Here are a few tips:

• Try sleeping on other cushioned surfaces (couch, spare mattress, different bed) for a few nights. See if that makes a noticeable difference. It likely will. Then, you'll know if your existing mattress is an issue.
• Check if you can return it. There may be a warranty exchange option if there are enough impressions (and sag).

See a physiotherapist and speak to them about your current problems. There could be an underlying musculoskeletal cause for your pain.

How Do I Know If My Firm Mattress Is Causing My Back Pain?

It is difficult to tell unless you have an extra mattress (that's softer) that you can sleep on for a couple of nights. Any soft couch should work (bring your pillows with you).

Your firm mattress may be to blame if:

• You wake up with pain
• You toss and turn frequently
• Your mattress is sinking or enveloping you too much
• You're experiencing pressure point pain
• Your mattress is new
• You wake up during the night
• You rarely dream
• You're always tired
• Your mattress is saggy and uneven

What Firmness Is Best For Back Pain (Harder = Better)?

A common myth is that a firm mattress will give you the best spine support. However, firmness and support are two different things. A study conducted in 2003 found that a medium-firm mattress alleviated lower back pain more effectively than a very firm mattress.

When you sleep on your side or back, a mattress that is too firm will put too much pressure on your joints. However, choosing a firm mattress may be a good choice if your back pain is caused by poor posture while lying down, rather than by pressure from the surface. Also, it's best to buy extra-firm mattresses if you're a heavy front or back sleeper over 250 lbs.

Keep in mind that orthopedic mattresses do not have any official regulations governing their effectiveness in reducing back pain.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain?

Mattresses that provide support and contour to your body to relieve pressure and pain.

In general, a hybrid mattress is the best choice for back pain because it provides adaptable support to the spine and softens pressure points.

What Position Is Best If You Have Back Pain From A Hard Mattress?

The following two sleeping positions have been shown to help with back pain:

• Lying flat on your back, with a pillow underneath your head and knees to ensure proper spinal alignment.
• Side sleeping with your legs straight is the second-best position for avoiding back and neck pain and keeping your airways open.

Does A New Hard Mattress Cause Back Pain?

New mattresses may require 30-60 nights to 'break in' and adapt to your body shape. You may want to consider returning the mattress if it continues to cause discomfort after 1-2 months.

As a result of not having been exposed to your body weight, new mattresses are usually stiff. You can relax the fibers of the mattress by gently pressing across its entire surface.

Does An Old Hard Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Yes. If your mattress is older than 7 years, then it could be causing your back pain. Mattresses last about 5-7 years with proper care.

In addition, a low-quality mattress may cause back pain even if it is not older than 5-7 years.

Will A Soft Mattress Help My Back Pain From A Hard Mattress?

Extra soft mattresses are suitable for side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. This is because they allow you to sink more deeply into the mattress materials, reducing pressure on your hips and shoulders. Side sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs should avoid soft mattresses.

Your mattress is too soft if your hips sink lower than your shoulders. Your mattress is too firm if your hips and shoulders lie flat.

Your back will suffer if you sleep on a soft mattress that doesn't support your spine. The heavier you are, the more you'll sink into a soft mattress.