How to Improve Mattress Comfort and Manage Aches or Discomfort

Quick answer: If you wake up sore or uncomfortable, start by checking your pillow, sleep position, base position and mattress support. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, change it by 5–10 points, then try the new setting for a few nights before adjusting it again.

Aches, stiffness or pressure points can happen while your body adjusts to a new mattress or when your sleep needs change over time. This guide can help you make small changes based on the type of bed you own to improve comfort, support and alignment.

First, identify your mattress type. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, follow the adjustment steps below. If it does not, skip to Check your comfort and alignment.

If your bed has a Sleep Number® setting, start here

If you found your setting in a store, it may not feel the same at home. Your room, base position, pillow, sleep position, and mattress model can all change how your bed feels.

1. Lie in your normal sleep position.
2. Choose the side of the bed you sleep on.
3. Adjust your setting until your body feels supported and pressure points feel more relaxed.
4. Stay at that setting for a few nights before changing it again.

If your bed has a Sleep Number® setting, should you go higher or lower?

• If you feel like you are sinking too much: Try increasing your setting by 5–10 points for more support.
• If you feel pressure on your hips, shoulders, or back: Try lowering your setting by 5–10 points for more cushioning.
• If you are not sure: Make one small change and sleep on it for a few nights. Changing too much at once can make it harder to know what helped.

Check your comfort and alignment

Good alignment means your head, neck, shoulders, hips and spine feel comfortably supported in your usual sleep position. If you notice tension, sinking near your hips or pressure near your shoulders, check your pillow and mattress support. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, a small adjustment may also help.

• Side sleepers: Watch for pressure near your shoulders or hips. Check whether your pillow and mattress provide enough cushioning. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, a slightly lower setting may help.
• Back sleepers: Watch for lower back support and whether your hips sink too far. Check your pillow, mattress support and base position. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, a slightly higher setting may help.
• Combination sleepers: Look for comfort and support in the positions you use most often. Check your pillow and mattress support in each position. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, choose the setting that feels best for the position you use most.
• Neck or shoulder discomfort: Check pillow height. A pillow that is too high or too low can affect neck alignment.

Give each comfort change time to work

Your body may need time to adjust, especially if your mattress is new or you have had several nights of discomfort. Try one comfort change at a time, such as adjusting your pillow, sleep position or base position. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting, change it in small increments and sleep at the new setting for a few nights before adjusting it again.

If your bed has Responsive Air®, make sure it is turned on

If your bed includes Responsive Air®, turn it on for your side. Responsive Air® helps a compatible smart bed maintain your Sleep Number® setting as you move during the night. Each side can control Responsive Air® separately.

What can affect mattress comfort?

• Your pillow: Pillow height and shape can affect neck, shoulder, and back comfort.
• Base position: Raising your head or feet can change how pressure is distributed.
  • Room temperature: Temperature changes may affect how your mattress feels. On beds with air chambers, temperature changes may also affect air pressure.
  • Pets or a sleep partner: Extra weight or movement may affect your comfort, support or how the mattress feels.
  • New or changing discomfort: Discomfort related to an illness, injury, surgery or medical condition may need support beyond changes to your bed.

When to contact Sleep Number

If you are still not comfortable after trying small changes for a few nights, we can help. Contact Sleep Number if your mattress consistently feels too firm or too soft, has a visible or lasting indentation, or still feels uncomfortable after 30 nights. If your bed includes a Sleep Number® setting or Responsive Air®, contact us when those features are not working as expected.

Frequently asked questions about mattress comfort