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New Mattress Causing Upper Back Pain

New Mattress Causing Upper Back Pain

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

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Key Takeaways

Upper back pain can be caused by new mattresses.

Particularly if it doesn't fit your body. Mattress firmness, position, and type (e.g. spring, foam, latex) can all contribute to upper back pain.

Your sensitive pressure points can be overloaded when the wrong combination is used.

The good news? There are a few things you can do if you're experiencing upper back pain from your new mattress:

• Check if the store accepts returns. Take advantage of this option immediately and consider a new mattress (our #1 mattress of 2022 is the Saatva Classic). You should prioritize your health over your short-term finances since it can negatively affect your health.
• Check if your current mattress is right for you by asking questions such as: Is it new?
• Can I return it? Are there exchange options available (if there are enough impressions or sagging)? For a few nights, sleep on a couch, spare mattress, or different bed. It probably will. You'll know if your existing mattress is faulty afterward.

If you keep sleeping on your bad mattress, you might have to take time off from work (and lose money).

#1 Fix For My New Mattress Causing Upper Back Pain?

Upgrade your mattress. The most effective solution to your upper back pain is probably this.

Your two options are:

1. Choose a memory foam mattress made of high-density foam (look for a 5 pound core).
2. Try a hybrid spring mattress, a 100% latex mattress, or a latex hybrid mattress.

We recommend the Saatva Classic. They're an innerspring hybrid with dual coils. If you dislike memory foam and it causes back pain, this is probably your most suitable option.

Can A New Mattress Cause Upper Back Pain?

Yes. You may be suffering from upper back pain caused by your new mattress because it is not compatible with your body. The lumbar region, especially, can be seriously damaged by stiff, unsupportive foams or springs (since they're factory fresh).

Your mattress may cause lower back pain for 5 main 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) Upper Back Pain From My New Mattress?

Your newly purchased mattress can cause upper back pain, so here are 10 ways to relieve it:

• Invest in a better mattress.
• Get a metal bunkie board to support your mattress (1-2 inches).
• Cotton sheets are more breathable
• Change your sleep position.
• If you sleep hot, buy a fan.
• Keep your window cracked for some natural cool air (helps you sleep better).
• Blue light negatively impacts REM sleep, so shut it off at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.
• Invest in new pillows (Talalay latex is preferred).
• Put a pillow between your legs.
• Do workouts that target your lower back and abs.

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

For upper back pain, medium firmness is probably appropriate.

According to studies, it's also optimal for most people. However, 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. To achieve medium-firmness, buy a firmer or softer topper. Until you buy a new mattress that's (a) different and (b) medium-firm, this is a suitable temporary solution.

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

It depends on your preferences. In terms of upper back pain, there is no better or worse mattress type.

• Innerspring: If you like natural airflow, bounce, and motion transfer, the innerspring mattress is for you.
• Memory Foam: If you like an enveloping feel, don't like motion transfer, and aren't a hot sleeper, memory foam is for you.
• Latex: Latex relieves pressure points and improves blood flow. Mattresses of this type sleep cool (between springs and foam), but are more expensive.

Neither mattress type suits everyone.

This is why it's imperative to know how each mattress responds to your body. Unless you identify your mattress 'type' preference, you will continue to sleep on a substandard mattress. A lot of people prefer innerspring hybrids. The mattress' excellent build quality, comfort, and affordability make it appealing to a wide range of people.

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 of importance. The density determines how much (or how small) support you need.

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

If you have upper back or spinal pain from your new mattress, side and back sleeping is ideal. Sleeping on your back aligns your spine. By reducing pressure on the side that causes the most pain, side sleeping can help upper back pain.

Test both, especially with a pillow between your legs. Your lumbar and hip regions should not be isolated. Neck pressure can impinge (damage) your nerves and cause very 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 Upper Back Pain

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Upper back pain can be caused by new mattresses.

Particularly if it doesn't fit your body. Mattress firmness, position, and type (e.g. spring, foam, latex) can all contribute to upper back pain.

Your sensitive pressure points can be overloaded when the wrong combination is used.

The good news? There are a few things you can do if you're experiencing upper back pain from your new mattress:

• Check if the store accepts returns. Take advantage of this option immediately and consider a new mattress (our #1 mattress of 2022 is the Saatva Classic). You should prioritize your health over your short-term finances since it can negatively affect your health.
• Check if your current mattress is right for you by asking questions such as: Is it new?
• Can I return it? Are there exchange options available (if there are enough impressions or sagging)? For a few nights, sleep on a couch, spare mattress, or different bed. It probably will. You'll know if your existing mattress is faulty afterward.

If you keep sleeping on your bad mattress, you might have to take time off from work (and lose money).

#1 Fix For My New Mattress Causing Upper Back Pain?

Upgrade your mattress. The most effective solution to your upper back pain is probably this.

Your two options are:

1. Choose a memory foam mattress made of high-density foam (look for a 5 pound core).
2. Try a hybrid spring mattress, a 100% latex mattress, or a latex hybrid mattress.

We recommend the Saatva Classic. They're an innerspring hybrid with dual coils. If you dislike memory foam and it causes back pain, this is probably your most suitable option.

Can A New Mattress Cause Upper Back Pain?

Yes. You may be suffering from upper back pain caused by your new mattress because it is not compatible with your body. The lumbar region, especially, can be seriously damaged by stiff, unsupportive foams or springs (since they're factory fresh).

Your mattress may cause lower back pain for 5 main 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) Upper Back Pain From My New Mattress?

Your newly purchased mattress can cause upper back pain, so here are 10 ways to relieve it:

• Invest in a better mattress.
• Get a metal bunkie board to support your mattress (1-2 inches).
• Cotton sheets are more breathable
• Change your sleep position.
• If you sleep hot, buy a fan.
• Keep your window cracked for some natural cool air (helps you sleep better).
• Blue light negatively impacts REM sleep, so shut it off at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.
• Invest in new pillows (Talalay latex is preferred).
• Put a pillow between your legs.
• Do workouts that target your lower back and abs.

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

For upper back pain, medium firmness is probably appropriate.

According to studies, it's also optimal for most people. However, 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. To achieve medium-firmness, buy a firmer or softer topper. Until you buy a new mattress that's (a) different and (b) medium-firm, this is a suitable temporary solution.

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

It depends on your preferences. In terms of upper back pain, there is no better or worse mattress type.

• Innerspring: If you like natural airflow, bounce, and motion transfer, the innerspring mattress is for you.
• Memory Foam: If you like an enveloping feel, don't like motion transfer, and aren't a hot sleeper, memory foam is for you.
• Latex: Latex relieves pressure points and improves blood flow. Mattresses of this type sleep cool (between springs and foam), but are more expensive.

Neither mattress type suits everyone.

This is why it's imperative to know how each mattress responds to your body. Unless you identify your mattress 'type' preference, you will continue to sleep on a substandard mattress. A lot of people prefer innerspring hybrids. The mattress' excellent build quality, comfort, and affordability make it appealing to a wide range of people.

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 of importance. The density determines how much (or how small) support you need.

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

If you have upper back or spinal pain from your new mattress, side and back sleeping is ideal. Sleeping on your back aligns your spine. By reducing pressure on the side that causes the most pain, side sleeping can help upper back pain.

Test both, especially with a pillow between your legs. Your lumbar and hip regions should not be isolated. Neck pressure can impinge (damage) your nerves and cause very serious long-term complications (including back, arm, and leg pain).