By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattressnut may receive a commission fee to support our work. See our affiliate disclosure.

Sleep Number Bed Causing Back Pain?

A Sleep Number bed provides customizable firmness and support, which can adjust to meet each sleeper’s needs and preferences. However, you can get back aches and pains if the Sleep Number you opted for is not ideal.

It must be pointed out that there is no one magical number that can alleviate your back pain. Various factors, such as your weight, height, sleeping position, and personal preference, to find the setting that works best for you.

Let’s dive in without any further ado!

Adjust Your Sleep Number® Setting

Before changing the sleep number setting, determine if your bed is compatible with the SleepIQ app. The SleepIQ app helps you better understand your sleep patterns and make more informed decisions about your sleep health.

Why Your Sleep Number Bed May Be Causing You Back Pain

You must be wondering how my sleep setting number can cause back pain.

Well, if your Sleep Number is too high or low, it can cause discomfort and pain in your back. A Sleep Number too high can develop pressure points that cause pain in your back. On the contrary, if your Sleep Number is too low, it causes poor spine alignment, leading to back pain.

If you are a back sleeper, select a number with enough padding. The firmness should be adequate for side sleepers to conform to the body curves. While stomach sleepers should choose the number that does not feel too tight on the belly.

Therefore, we recommend you choose the level that feels the coziest and supportive for your back by fiddling with the setting. Before choosing whether to adjust your setting up or down a few notches, Sleep Number advises giving a number two to five-night trial.

Additionally, experience persistent back pain despite adjusting your Sleep Number setting. It may be worth consulting with a healthcare professional to determine if other underlying factors must be addressed.

Check Your Pillow Placement

Placing a pillow improperly can lead to back pains; hence, checking your pillow placement is mandatory.

If your pillow is too high or too low, it can cause your neck to be improperly aligned with your spine. This can lead to muscle strain and neck and upper back tension. Put a pillow beneath your neck, so the pillow’s base touches your shoulders.

Moreover, a too firm or soft pillow can create pressure points on your head, neck, and shoulders.

For back sleepers, selecting a pillow with a firm level of support is important. If you sleep on your stomach, prefer a soft pillow because it will keep your body close to the mattress. We would suggest a pillow with a medium firm configuration for side sleepers.

Try a Different Sleeping Position

Sleeping position can have a great impact on giving relief from back pain.

According to experts, side sleeping is the best position to alleviate back pain.

When you lie on your side, try to elevate your legs towards the chest and reach the fetal position. The fetal position can help keep your spine neutral, reducing strain on your back and helping prevent pain.

If you still ache, try increasing your Sleep Number by 5 or 10.

Back sleeping is considered a good way to relieve back pain. However, ensure that your body is properly aligned, and place a pillow below your knees.

If you still ache, try increasing your Sleep Number by 5 or 10.

On the contrary, sleeping on your stomach can force your neck into an awkward position, which can cause neck pain. This sleeping style increases pressure on joints and muscles, which can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back.

For stomach sleepers, if the pain persists, we would recommend decreasing the Sleep Number by 5 or 10.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sleep Number beds can cause back pain if not adjusted to fit the individual’s needs. The mattress’s firmness, support, and alignment must suit the body type and sleeping position.

Consulting a doctor can provide personalized advice and help determine the best action to address back pain caused by a Sleep Number bed.

Sleep Number Bed Causing Back Pain FAQs

Why Does My Bed Make My Back Hurt?

Your bed may be causing back pain due to poor support, inadequate firmness or softness, or lack of proper spine alignment. Therefore, purchasing the ideal mattress that fulfills your body's needs is best. If you have a Sleep Number bed, select the right setting.  

What is the Best Setting for Sleep Numbers?

A Sleep Number bed has a scale from 0-100, wherein the number increases in multiples of five. The higher the number, the more firm the bed will be.
There is no “best” Sleep Number setting as it varies depending on personal preference, body type, and sleeping position. Furthermore, adjusting the number gradually and experimenting until you find a comfortable and supportive setting for your body is recommended.

How Can I Fix Lower Back Pain from Bed?

To fix lower back pain caused by your bed, try adjusting the mattress firmness, using a body pillow for added support, and sleeping in a position that promotes spine alignment. If you have a sleep number bed, try these changes:
Decrease the sleep number setting by 5 or 10 points if you are a back sleeper.
If you are a side sleeper, decrease the sleep number setting by 5 or 10 points.
If you are a stomach sleeper, increase the sleep number setting by 5 or 10 points.

How Do I Adjust My Bed to Relieve Back Pain?

To adjust your bed to relieve back pain, try changing the mattress firmness, adding a supportive topper, adjusting the pillows, using a body pillow for added support, and sleeping in a position that promotes spinal alignment.

Do Sleep Number Beds Hurt Your Back?

Sleep Number beds are very comfortable and supportive since you can adjust the firmness of your bed as per your need. It may not hurt your back if you choose the right level of firmness and support for your body type and sleeping position. However, if the bed is not properly adjusted, it can cause back pain.

Why is My Sleep Number Bed So Uncomfortable?

Your Sleep Number bed may be uncomfortable if not adjusted properly for your body type and sleeping position. Therefore, consider changing the settings of your bed.