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Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain

Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain

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

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Key Takeaways

Lower back pain can be caused by your mattress.

Especially if it doesn't fit your body shape. Your health can be negatively altered!

Lower back pain is affected by mattress firmness, position, and type (e.g., spring, foam, or latex). A wrong combination can cause unnecessary tension and pressure on your pressure points.

Sleep on other cushioned surfaces (couch, spare mattress, different bed) for a few nights. Check if that makes a difference. It's likely. You'll know if your existing mattress is faulty then.

Note: Our #1 mattress for back pain is the Saatva Classic. If you're currently suffering with lower back pain, it's imperative you review their site and make an objective determination if they're right for you.

#1 Fix For Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain?

Buy a new, better mattress. This is likely the best solution to your lower back pain.

You have 2 options:

1. Choose a better memory foam mattress with higher density foams (look for a 5 lb. density core), like Loom and Leaf.
2. Consider a different mattress type, either a hybrid innerspring, a 100% latex mattress, or a latex hybrid mattress.

We recommend the Saatva Classic. An incredible innerspring hybrid with a dual coil construction. Probably your best online option if you dislike memory foam and it is causing you back pain.

Can A Mattress Cause Lower Back Pain?

Absolutely.

Your mattress is likely causing significant (and sometimes irreversible) lower back pain (it's not compatible with your body).

Stiff or unsupportive foams or springs can seriously damage your nerves and body (especially in the lumbar area).

Spinal pain can also occur in the following ways:

• You picked the wrong mattress type (e.g., incompatible with your body structure and shape/weight)
• New mattress and foams need time to settle
• Sleeping in a poor position
• Using an old or damaged pillow (Talalay latex is a much better pillow material)
• Firmness is either too firm or too soft (e.g., density of foams matters, too)
• Heat matters. Heater mattress = longer time to fall asleep = negative impacts on REM sleep (and overall health).

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

How Can I Reduce (+ Relieve) Lower Back Pain From My Mattress?

Here are some ways to reduce/relieve lower back pain caused by your mattress:

• Buy a new mattress from a better brand.
• Get a metal bunkie board to support your mattress (should be 1-2 inches).
• Invest in more breathable cotton sheets.
• Sleep in a different position.
• Buy a fan (if you sleep hot; it should help a lot).
• Keep your window slightly cracked for some natural cool air (helps you achieve REM sleep).
• Turn off all blue light at least 1-2 hours before bedtime (it negatively impacts REM sleep).
• Buy new pillows (Talalay latex is recommended).
• Place a pillow between your legs.
• Do workouts that target your lower back and abs.

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

For back pain, medium firmness is probably best. According to studies, it's also optimal for most people.

Your ideal firmness depends on your body shape and physiological preferences (such as weight, bone structure, muscles, and nerves).

Check whether your new mattress is too firm or too soft. Then buy a firmer or softer talalay latex topper. A topper is an adequate temporary solution until you buy a medium-firm mattress that's (a) a different type.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain?

Absolutely.

Your mattress is likely causing significant (and sometimes irreversible) lower back pain (it's not compatible with your body).

Stiff or unsupportive foams or springs can seriously damage your nerves and body (especially in the lumbar area).

Spinal pain can also occur in the following ways:
• You picked the wrong mattress type (e.g., incompatible with your body structure and shape/weight)
• New mattress foams need time to settle
• Sleeping in a poor position
• Using an old or damaged pillow (Talalay latex is a much better pillow material)
• Firmness is either too firm or too soft (e.g., density of foams matters, too)
• Heat matters. Heater mattress = longer time to fall asleep = negative impacts on REM sleep (and overall health).

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

Try the following 2 positions (especially with a pillow between your legs):

• Sleeping on your side or back is ideal for back pain.
• Sleeping on your back at night keeps your spine aligned.

By reducing pressure from the side causing most of your pain, side sleeping can actually help neck pain.

Keep your neck and shoulders free of isolated pressure.

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

Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain

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Lower back pain can be caused by your mattress.

Especially if it doesn't fit your body shape. Your health can be negatively altered!

Lower back pain is affected by mattress firmness, position, and type (e.g., spring, foam, or latex). A wrong combination can cause unnecessary tension and pressure on your pressure points.

Sleep on other cushioned surfaces (couch, spare mattress, different bed) for a few nights. Check if that makes a difference. It's likely. You'll know if your existing mattress is faulty then.

Note: Our #1 mattress for back pain is the Saatva Classic. If you're currently suffering with lower back pain, it's imperative you review their site and make an objective determination if they're right for you.

#1 Fix For Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain?

Buy a new, better mattress. This is likely the best solution to your lower back pain.

You have 2 options:

1. Choose a better memory foam mattress with higher density foams (look for a 5 lb. density core), like Loom and Leaf.
2. Consider a different mattress type, either a hybrid innerspring, a 100% latex mattress, or a latex hybrid mattress.

We recommend the Saatva Classic. An incredible innerspring hybrid with a dual coil construction. Probably your best online option if you dislike memory foam and it is causing you back pain.

Can A Mattress Cause Lower Back Pain?

Absolutely.

Your mattress is likely causing significant (and sometimes irreversible) lower back pain (it's not compatible with your body).

Stiff or unsupportive foams or springs can seriously damage your nerves and body (especially in the lumbar area).

Spinal pain can also occur in the following ways:

• You picked the wrong mattress type (e.g., incompatible with your body structure and shape/weight)
• New mattress and foams need time to settle
• Sleeping in a poor position
• Using an old or damaged pillow (Talalay latex is a much better pillow material)
• Firmness is either too firm or too soft (e.g., density of foams matters, too)
• Heat matters. Heater mattress = longer time to fall asleep = negative impacts on REM sleep (and overall health).

How Can I Reduce (+ Relieve) Lower Back Pain From My Mattress?

Here are some ways to reduce/relieve lower back pain caused by your mattress:

• Buy a new mattress from a better brand.
• Get a metal bunkie board to support your mattress (should be 1-2 inches).
• Invest in more breathable cotton sheets.
• Sleep in a different position.
• Buy a fan (if you sleep hot; it should help a lot).
• Keep your window slightly cracked for some natural cool air (helps you achieve REM sleep).
• Turn off all blue light at least 1-2 hours before bedtime (it negatively impacts REM sleep).
• Buy new pillows (Talalay latex is recommended).
• Place a pillow between your legs.
• Do workouts that target your lower back and abs.

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

For back pain, medium firmness is probably best. According to studies, it's also optimal for most people.

Your ideal firmness depends on your body shape and physiological preferences (such as weight, bone structure, muscles, and nerves).

Check whether your new mattress is too firm or too soft. Then buy a firmer or softer talalay latex topper. A topper is an adequate temporary solution until you buy a medium-firm mattress that's (a) a different type.

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain?

Absolutely.

Your mattress is likely causing significant (and sometimes irreversible) lower back pain (it's not compatible with your body).

Stiff or unsupportive foams or springs can seriously damage your nerves and body (especially in the lumbar area).

Spinal pain can also occur in the following ways:
• You picked the wrong mattress type (e.g., incompatible with your body structure and shape/weight)
• New mattress foams need time to settle
• Sleeping in a poor position
• Using an old or damaged pillow (Talalay latex is a much better pillow material)
• Firmness is either too firm or too soft (e.g., density of foams matters, too)
• Heat matters. Heater mattress = longer time to fall asleep = negative impacts on REM sleep (and overall health).

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

Try the following 2 positions (especially with a pillow between your legs):

• Sleeping on your side or back is ideal for back pain.
• Sleeping on your back at night keeps your spine aligned.

By reducing pressure from the side causing most of your pain, side sleeping can actually help neck pain.

Keep your neck and shoulders free of isolated pressure.