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Neck Pain From Mattress

Neck Pain From Mattress

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

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Key Takeaways

Neck pain can be severe when you buy the wrong mattress.

Our #1 rated mattress for neck pain is the Saatva Classic.

Especially if it doesn't fit your body type. It can harm your health. Invest in your health over short-term finances.

Neck pain can be caused by a mattress' firmness, position, and type (spring, foam, latex). The wrong combination will put unnecessary tension and pressure on your sensitive pressure points.

Ask yourself: Is your current mattress new or old? Can I return it? Can I take advantage of a warranty exchange (if there are enough impressions or sagging)?

Spend a few nights on a couch, spare mattress, or different bed. See if that makes a difference. Most likely. You will be able to determine if your mattress is a problem. Keep sleeping on your bad mattress and you might have to take time off work (and lose money)!

#1 Fix For Neck Pain From Your Mattress?

Switch to a different brand of mattress.

Two options:

• Buy a mattress with higher density foam and thicker springs (13 gauge steel or thicker).
• Try an innerspring hybrid, a 100% latex mattress, or a hybrid latex mattress.

In our opinion, the Saatva Classic is the best. It's an incredible hybrid innerspring mattress. If foam causes back pain or you dislike it, Saatva Classic is your best choice.

Can My Mattress Cause Neck Pain?

Definitely.

Cervical pain can be caused by the wrong mattress (with long term health consequences).

The nerves and body can be seriously damaged by stiff or unsupportive foams.

Neck pain can also be caused by 6 primary factors:

• Incompatible mattress type (e.g. not suitable for your body type, shape, and weight).
• New mattress (foams need time to settle).
• Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
• The use of an old or bad pillow (Talalay latex is recommended).
• The level of firmness (too firm or too soft).
• Heat. REM sleep (and overall health) is negatively impacted by a hotter mattress.

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

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

You can reduce/relieve neck pain using 10 main methods:

• Replace your new mattress with a more reputable one.
• Get a metal bunkie board 1-2 inches thick to support your mattress.
• Invest in breathable cotton sheets.
• Change your sleeping position.
• Buy a fan (if you sleep hot, it can help a lot).
• Allow some fresh air to enter your room by slightly cracking your window (helps you sleep better).
• Turn off all blue light 1-2 hours before going to bed (it negatively impacts REM sleep).
• Buy new pillows (Talalay latex is recommended).
• Place a pillow between your legs.
• Exercise your neck (search "neck strengthening exercises").

What Mattress Firmness Is Best If I Have Cervical Pain (Harder = Better)

Choosing a medium-firm mattress may benefit your neck.

Maintaining elevation without sinking too far into the mattress is important for spine and neck alignment.

A person's ideal firmness depends on many factors, including their body shape, weight, bone structure, muscles, and nerves. Ensure your mattress is not too firm or too soft. To achieve medium firmness, you can add a firmer or softer topper.

This will only work temporarily. You will need a new medium-firm mattress that is different in type and more comfortable.

What Mattress 'Type' Is Best, If I Have Neck Pain?

There is no 'best' mattress type for your neck pain.

It completely depends on your preferences and pressure-point response to different materials.

For neck pain, there isn't one type that's better or less effective.

3 main mattress types could potentially impact which mattress type you consider:

1. The innerspring mattress is perfect if you enjoy natural airflow, bounce, and motion transfer.
2. Memory foam is ideal if you're not a hot sleeper, prefer an enveloping feel, and don't want motion transfer.
3. Latex is excellent for relieving pressure points and improving blood flow. Generally, this type of mattress sleeps cool (between spring and foam in terms of heat), but it is more expensive.

All 3 types of mattresses are not for everyone.

Knowing how each mattress type responds to your body is essential. You'll continue to sleep on a bad mattress if you don't identify your mattress 'type' preference quickly.

The Saatva Classic is one of the most popular innerspring hybrids in the US (for a reason). It appeals to a wide range of people due to its excellent build quality, comfort, and affordability (for a luxury hotel-style mattress).

If you're considering an innerspring hybrid, pay attention to coil gauge (i.e. thickness). The density of memory foam (measured in ILDs) is also important. Density determines how much (or how little) support you need.

What Sleeping 'Position' Is Best, If I Have Neck Pain?

Sleeping on your side or back is ideal for neck pain. Sleeping on your back aligns your spine. Sleeping on your side can reduce neck pain by reducing pressure on the side that is bothering you.

Test both with a pillow between your legs. Don't apply isolated pressure to any specific area of your neck or shoulders.

Long-term pressure on your neck at night can damage your nerves and cause long-term complications (that can extend to your back, arms, and legs).

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

Neck Pain From Mattress

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Neck pain can be severe when you buy the wrong mattress.

Our #1 rated mattress for neck pain is the Saatva Classic.

Especially if it doesn't fit your body type. It can harm your health. Invest in your health over short-term finances.

Neck pain can be caused by a mattress' firmness, position, and type (spring, foam, latex). The wrong combination will put unnecessary tension and pressure on your sensitive pressure points.

Ask yourself: Is your current mattress new or old? Can I return it? Can I take advantage of a warranty exchange (if there are enough impressions or sagging)?

Spend a few nights on a couch, spare mattress, or different bed. See if that makes a difference. Most likely. You will be able to determine if your mattress is a problem. Keep sleeping on your bad mattress and you might have to take time off work (and lose money)!

#1 Fix For Neck Pain From Your Mattress?

Switch to a different brand of mattress.

Two options:

• Buy a mattress with higher density foam and thicker springs (13 gauge steel or thicker).
• Try an innerspring hybrid, a 100% latex mattress, or a hybrid latex mattress.

In our opinion, the Saatva Classic is the best. It's an incredible hybrid innerspring mattress. If foam causes back pain or you dislike it, Saatva Classic is your best choice.

Can My Mattress Cause Neck Pain?

Definitely.

Cervical pain can be caused by the wrong mattress (with long term health consequences).

The nerves and body can be seriously damaged by stiff or unsupportive foams.

Neck pain can also be caused by 6 primary factors:

• Incompatible mattress type (e.g. not suitable for your body type, shape, and weight).
• New mattress (foams need time to settle).
• Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
• The use of an old or bad pillow (Talalay latex is recommended).
• The level of firmness (too firm or too soft).
• Heat. REM sleep (and overall health) is negatively impacted by a hotter mattress.

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

You can reduce/relieve neck pain using 10 main methods:

• Replace your new mattress with a more reputable one.
• Get a metal bunkie board 1-2 inches thick to support your mattress.
• Invest in breathable cotton sheets.
• Change your sleeping position.
• Buy a fan (if you sleep hot, it can help a lot).
• Allow some fresh air to enter your room by slightly cracking your window (helps you sleep better).
• Turn off all blue light 1-2 hours before going to bed (it negatively impacts REM sleep).
• Buy new pillows (Talalay latex is recommended).
• Place a pillow between your legs.
• Exercise your neck (search "neck strengthening exercises").

What Mattress Firmness Is Best If I Have Cervical Pain (Harder = Better)

Choosing a medium-firm mattress may benefit your neck.

Maintaining elevation without sinking too far into the mattress is important for spine and neck alignment.

A person's ideal firmness depends on many factors, including their body shape, weight, bone structure, muscles, and nerves. Ensure your mattress is not too firm or too soft. To achieve medium firmness, you can add a firmer or softer topper.

This will only work temporarily. You will need a new medium-firm mattress that is different in type and more comfortable.

What Mattress 'Type' Is Best, If I Have Neck Pain?

There is no 'best' mattress type for your neck pain.

It completely depends on your preferences and pressure-point response to different materials.

For neck pain, there isn't one type that's better or less effective.

3 main mattress types could potentially impact which mattress type you consider:

1. The innerspring mattress is perfect if you enjoy natural airflow, bounce, and motion transfer.
2. Memory foam is ideal if you're not a hot sleeper, prefer an enveloping feel, and don't want motion transfer.
3. Latex is excellent for relieving pressure points and improving blood flow. Generally, this type of mattress sleeps cool (between spring and foam in terms of heat), but it is more expensive.

All 3 types of mattresses are not for everyone.

Knowing how each mattress type responds to your body is essential. You'll continue to sleep on a bad mattress if you don't identify your mattress 'type' preference quickly.

The Saatva Classic is one of the most popular innerspring hybrids in the US (for a reason). It appeals to a wide range of people due to its excellent build quality, comfort, and affordability (for a luxury hotel-style mattress).

If you're considering an innerspring hybrid, pay attention to coil gauge (i.e. thickness). The density of memory foam (measured in ILDs) is also important. Density determines how much (or how little) support you need.

What Sleeping 'Position' Is Best, If I Have Neck Pain?

Sleeping on your side or back is ideal for neck pain. Sleeping on your back aligns your spine. Sleeping on your side can reduce neck pain by reducing pressure on the side that is bothering you.

Test both with a pillow between your legs. Don't apply isolated pressure to any specific area of your neck or shoulders.

Long-term pressure on your neck at night can damage your nerves and cause long-term complications (that can extend to your back, arms, and legs).