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New Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain

New 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 brand-new mattresses. Particularly if it doesn't fit. A mattress' firmness, position, and type (e.g. spring, foam, latex) can all cause lower back pain. A wrong combination can cause unnecessary tension and pressure on your sensitive pressure points.

Here are 2 main actions you can take if you're experiencing lower back pain from your new mattress:

• Return: Find out if the store accepts returns. If yes, take advantage of this option immediately and consider a new mattress (our #1 mattress of 2022 is the Saatva Classic, designed specifically for people with lower back pain). Your health can be significantly negatively affected by it, so you should prioritize your health over your short-term finances.
• Ask Questions: Make sure your current mattress is right for you by asking questions like: Is it new or old? Is it possible to return it? Is there a warranty exchange option (if there are enough impressions or sagging)? Sleep on a couch, spare mattress, or different bed for a few nights to see if that makes a difference. Most likely, it will. Afterward, you'll know if there is a problem with your existing mattress.

Keep in mind that your bad mattress could lead to you having to take time off from work (and losing money) if you keep sleeping on it.

Note: The Saatva Classic is the #1 mattress for lower back pain based on our extensive research and testing.

#1 Fix For A New Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain?

Get a better mattress. Your new mattress probably caused 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. They're an incredible innerspring hybrid with a dual coil construction. There is no doubt that the Saatva Classic is your best online option if you dislike memory foam and it is causing you back pain.

Can A New Mattress Cause Lower Back Pain?

Yes.

There is a high chance your new mattress is causing you serious (and sometimes irreversible) back pain. Stiff, unsupportive foams (especially in the lumbar region) or springs (since they're factory fresh) can seriously harm your body.

Your mattress may cause lower back pain for 5 primary reasons:

• Your mattress is new (new mattresses and foams need time to settle).
• Your old mattress is old (probably has impressions and sagging foam).
• You're sleeping in the wrong position.
• Your mattress is either too firm or too soft (e.g., the density of foams matters, too).
• Your mattress sleeps hot. This is detrimental to REM sleep (and overall health) because it takes a longer time to fall asleep.

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 New Mattress?

Here are 10 great ways to reduce/relieve lower back pain caused by your new 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. You can choose your ideal firmness based 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. To achieve medium-firmness, buy a firmer or softer topper. It's a good temporary solution until you buy a medium-firm mattress of a different type.

What Type Of New Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain?

It depends on your preferences. Lower back pain doesn't have a superior or worst type.

• Innerspring mattresses provide natural airflow, bounce, and motion transfer.
• Memory foam is ideal if you don't like motion transfer, don't sleep hot, and don't sleep hot.
• Latex relieves pressure points and improves blood flow. Generally, this type of mattress sleeps cool (between spring and foam in terms of heat), but it is more expensive.

Some people can't adapt to either of the 3 mattress types. You must understand how each mattress type responds to your body. If you don't identify your mattress 'type' preference quickly, you'll sleep on a less-than-ideal one.

People prefer innerspring hybrids (such as the Saatva Classic). Having excellent build quality, comfort, and affordability (for a luxury hotel-style mattress), it appeals to a wide audience.

Consider coil gauge (i.e. thickness) if you're considering an innerspring hybrid. The density of memory foam (measured in ILDs) is also critical. Depending on your body and sleep position, density determines how much support you need.

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

If you have lower back pain or spinal pain from your new mattress, side and back sleeping is ideal.

Sleeping on your back aligns your spine. By reducing pressure from the most painful side, side sleeping can help lower back pain.

Test both, especially with a pillow between your legs. You should not isolate any part of your lumbar and hip region.

Long-term neck pressure may damage your nerves and cause serious long-term complications (including back, arm, and leg pain).

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

New Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain

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Lower back pain can be caused by brand-new mattresses. Particularly if it doesn't fit. A mattress' firmness, position, and type (e.g. spring, foam, latex) can all cause lower back pain. A wrong combination can cause unnecessary tension and pressure on your sensitive pressure points.

Here are 2 main actions you can take if you're experiencing lower back pain from your new mattress:

• Return: Find out if the store accepts returns. If yes, take advantage of this option immediately and consider a new mattress (our #1 mattress of 2022 is the Saatva Classic, designed specifically for people with lower back pain). Your health can be significantly negatively affected by it, so you should prioritize your health over your short-term finances.
• Ask Questions: Make sure your current mattress is right for you by asking questions like: Is it new or old? Is it possible to return it? Is there a warranty exchange option (if there are enough impressions or sagging)? Sleep on a couch, spare mattress, or different bed for a few nights to see if that makes a difference. Most likely, it will. Afterward, you'll know if there is a problem with your existing mattress.

Keep in mind that your bad mattress could lead to you having to take time off from work (and losing money) if you keep sleeping on it.

Note: The Saatva Classic is the #1 mattress for lower back pain based on our extensive research and testing.

#1 Fix For A New Mattress Causing Lower Back Pain?

Get a better mattress. Your new mattress probably caused 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. They're an incredible innerspring hybrid with a dual coil construction. There is no doubt that the Saatva Classic is your best online option if you dislike memory foam and it is causing you back pain.

Can A New Mattress Cause Lower Back Pain?

Yes.

There is a high chance your new mattress is causing you serious (and sometimes irreversible) back pain. Stiff, unsupportive foams (especially in the lumbar region) or springs (since they're factory fresh) can seriously harm your body.

Your mattress may cause lower back pain for 5 primary reasons:

• Your mattress is new (new mattresses and foams need time to settle).
• Your old mattress is old (probably has impressions and sagging foam).
• You're sleeping in the wrong position.
• Your mattress is either too firm or too soft (e.g., the density of foams matters, too).
• Your mattress sleeps hot. This is detrimental to REM sleep (and overall health) because it takes a longer time to fall asleep.

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

Here are 10 great ways to reduce/relieve lower back pain caused by your new 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. You can choose your ideal firmness based 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. To achieve medium-firmness, buy a firmer or softer topper. It's a good temporary solution until you buy a medium-firm mattress of a different type.

What Type Of New Mattress Is Best For Lower Back Pain?

It depends on your preferences. Lower back pain doesn't have a superior or worst type.

• Innerspring mattresses provide natural airflow, bounce, and motion transfer.
• Memory foam is ideal if you don't like motion transfer, don't sleep hot, and don't sleep hot.
• Latex relieves pressure points and improves blood flow. Generally, this type of mattress sleeps cool (between spring and foam in terms of heat), but it is more expensive.

Some people can't adapt to either of the 3 mattress types. You must understand how each mattress type responds to your body. If you don't identify your mattress 'type' preference quickly, you'll sleep on a less-than-ideal one.

People prefer innerspring hybrids (such as the Saatva Classic). Having excellent build quality, comfort, and affordability (for a luxury hotel-style mattress), it appeals to a wide audience.

Consider coil gauge (i.e. thickness) if you're considering an innerspring hybrid. The density of memory foam (measured in ILDs) is also critical. Depending on your body and sleep position, density determines how much support you need.

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

If you have lower back pain or spinal pain from your new mattress, side and back sleeping is ideal.

Sleeping on your back aligns your spine. By reducing pressure from the most painful side, side sleeping can help lower back pain.

Test both, especially with a pillow between your legs. You should not isolate any part of your lumbar and hip region.

Long-term neck pressure may damage your nerves and cause serious long-term complications (including back, arm, and leg pain).