A new mattress should feel like you’re drifting into dreamland, but for many of us, the first night on a new bed can be a rude awakening. Back pain is a common complaint associated with a new mattress, and it can make your investment feel like a waste of money.
Our testers found that even the top-rated beds in our best mattresses guide weren't always comfortable at first. It takes time to get used to a new mattress, and unfortunately, that waiting period often comes with back pain.
But sometimes it's not just an adjustment period, and back pain can be a sign that your new mattress isn't right for you. In this guide, we'll explain why a new bed can cause back pain, as well as some tips for dealing with it if you're planning on taking advantage of the Labor Day mattress sales.
Why does your back hurt after sleeping on a new mattress?
The first few nights on a new mattress can be uncomfortable, but that doesn't necessarily mean the problem is your bed. There are several reasons why a new bed can cause back pain, including that awkward adjustment period…
1. It takes time to get used to it
It takes time for your body to get used to a new mattress, especially if you've been sleeping on the bumps and ridges of an old, worn-out mattress. Plus, a mattress needs time to soften and relax as you wear it, which is why your model may look different than the worn-out one you tested in the store. The lack of performance of your brand-new bed could be the cause of your morning aches.
2. It doesn’t suit your sleeping style
However, back pain from a new mattress isn’t always a problem that time can fix. It could be that your new mattress isn’t the right fit for your sleeping style. Side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses, while stomach and back sleepers need firmer support. If you’ve chosen the wrong level of comfort or support for your sleeping preferences, it could be causing your pain.
3. You need a new bed frame
Have you replaced your mattress but kept your old box spring? Then it may not provide the support base your new mattress needs. The wrong box spring can result in sagging materials, excessive firmness, or simply an overhanging mattress.
How to Reduce Back Pain When Sleeping on a New Mattress
If you were looking forward to a better night's sleep on a brand new mattress, you might be disappointed by this initial discomfort. Before you think about replacing the bed, here are some steps you can take to remedy this…
1. Add a mattress topper
A new mattress can feel hard at first, and one of the easiest ways to soften a firm mattress is with a mattress topper. The best mattress toppers can improve the feel of your bed, adding an extra layer of cushioning to cradle your joints while maintaining lumbar support.
Mattress toppers come in a range of prices from very inexpensive to several hundred dollars. If you’re looking for a short-term solution to a new mattress, a budget-friendly mattress topper can add a touch of softness without breaking the bank. But if you’re looking for a long-term transformation, it’s worth investing in a durable, high-quality mattress topper.
2. Place a pillow under your back
A pillow under your back essentially acts as a targeted pressure reliever, providing the comfort of a mattress topper on a smaller scale. By gently cushioning your back, the pillow should help relieve the pressure your body is putting on the mattress while adding a little more support to the lumbar region.
3. Try a new sleeping position
The best mattresses for side sleepers feel different than the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, and firm beds tend to be better for back and stomach sleepers. If your new mattress is causing you pain, try adjusting your sleeping position for a few nights to see if that helps.
4. Give it time
At Tom's Guide, we spend at least three weeks on a mattress as part of our mattress review process. That's because we know that the way a bed feels right away isn't necessarily how it'll feel once you get used to it.
If your new mattress is causing back pain, the best thing to do, unfortunately, is to wait it out. Try sitting and lying on the bed when you're not sleeping to speed up the adjustment process. Over time, you should find that the mattress softens and you (and your body) adjusts to the new feeling.
If this doesn't happen, it's time to move on to the final step…
5. Turn the mattress over
Even after sleeping on this mattress for several weeks, you may wake up with back pain. This is likely a sign that the mattress is not meeting your sleep needs. You can try changing the feeling with a mattress protector, but it's probably time to consider a return.
A mattress trial allows you to return your mattress within a set period of time, hassle-free. The average mattress trial lasts 100 days, or over three months to get used to the bed. Some last up to a year, giving you plenty of time to decide if this mattress is right for you. Contact the brand directly to arrange your return.
While it can be frustrating, you should now have a better understanding of what you're looking for in a bed. And our guide to the best mattresses for back pain can help you find a more suitable sleep setup.