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The adjustment period to a new mattress can be difficult for many people.
Buying a mattress is synonymous with expectation: sleeping better, waking up with more energy, and saying goodbye to pain. However, there is a reality that is not always clearly communicated: the body may need a period of adjustment to the new mattress.

In this article, we explain how long it takes to adjust, why a new mattress can cause back pain, and what you can do to get used to it more quickly. Along the way, we also help clarify when to change your mattress.

What is the adjustment period for a new mattress?

The adjustment period corresponds to the time needed for the body to adjust to a new sleeping surface. Even when you choose a quality mattress, you are changing a daily habit that has been established over several years.

If you have slept for a long time on a deformed or sagging mattress, your body has ended up compensating for these irregularities. When you switch to a new, more stable mattress with adequate support, your spine realigns itself—and this readjustment can cause different sensations in the first few days.

How long does it take to adjust to a new mattress?

In most cases, the adjustment period to a new mattress varies between 1 and 10 nights. In more specific situations, it can take up to about 3 weeks.

The duration depends on several factors, such as:

• The condition of the old mattress (very saggy or relatively stable);
• The difference in firmness between the old and new mattresses;
• Mattress technology (foam, pocket springs, etc.);
• The profile of the sleeper (weight, sleeping position, pre-existing pain, or muscle sensitivity).

“New mattress hurts my back”: is this normal?

In many cases, this is perfectly normal.
Mild back pain, especially in the lower back, may occur in the first few days, particularly when the body is readjusting to more correct support.

The key point is to understand the pattern:

• Mild and progressively decreasing discomfort indicates normal adaptation;
• Intense, persistent pain, or pain that worsens after 2 to 3 weeks may indicate that the mattress is not the most suitable.

Three common adaptation scenarios and what to do in each one

Switching from a soft mattress to a firm mattress

This is the most common scenario, where the body is accustomed to a deformed mattress. When switching to a firmer mattress, the spine becomes aligned again and the pressure points change.

What helps:

• For the first few nights, use a comforter or an extra soft layer under the sheet;
• Remove this layer gradually over the course of several days;
• Maintain consistent sleep routines and give your body time.

From one firm mattress to another with equal firmness

Many people think that adaptation will be immediate. But an old mattress loses firmness, elasticity, and support over time.

What helps:

• Use the same transition strategy mentioned above—an extra layer of comfort under the sheet for the first few days.
• Combine it with a pillow that suits your sleeping position—many pains come from cervical misalignment. We recommend our Cervical Visco Pillow, which will easily adapt to your sleeping position, providing excellent cervical support.

Changing from a firm mattress to a soft mattress

It may seem like it will be a more comfortable mattress, but it also requires adaptation. A softer mattress changes the way your body is supported and can cause a feeling of instability in the first few days.

What helps:

• On the first few nights, try sleeping on your side, with your legs slightly bent, and hugging a pillow to stabilize your posture;
• Ensure that the pillow fills the space between your shoulder and neck, so as not to strain your neck.

7 tips to speed up your adjustment to a new mattress

1. Manage expectations and reduce anxiety

Adapting to a new mattress does not happen overnight. Getting caught up in negative thoughts such as "I won't be able to sleep" or "I made the wrong choice" can increase body tension and make it difficult to rest. View this period as a natural process and give your body time to readjust.

2. Create a comfortable physical transition

In the early days, an extra layer of comfort—such as a folded comforter under the sheet—can help ease the transition without compromising the mattress's support. As the nights go by, gradually remove this layer.

3. Check the support base

Even the best mattresses lose performance if they are used on an inadequate base. Make sure that the box spring or bed frame is level, firm, and in good condition, ensuring proper stability and support.

4. Adjust the pillow to the new mattress

Changing your mattress without adjusting your pillow is a common mistake. The height and type of pillow should be aligned with the firmness of the mattress and your sleeping position to avoid tension in the cervical area.

5. Maintain a consistent sleep routine

Regular schedules, reduced ambient light at night, and avoiding screens before bedtime help the body enter rest mode more quickly, making it easier to adapt to the new mattress.

6. Ensure thermal comfort in the bedroom

A room that is too hot or too cold causes micro-awakenings and impairs sleep quality. Adjusting the temperature and choosing bedding that is appropriate for the season can speed up the adaptation process.

7. Evaluate the mattress based on actual usage time

Avoid jumping to conclusions after just one night. You should evaluate how well you adapt to the mattress after at least 7 to 10 consecutive nights. Only after this period will you be able to tell whether the mattress is truly suited to your body and your sleep needs.

When should you replace your mattress? Clear signs that it's time

Adapting to a new mattress often raises this question. On average, it is recommended to replace your mattress every 5 to 7 years, but there are signs that indicate you should do so sooner:

• Visible subsidence or deformation;
• You often wake up with back or neck pain;
• Difficulty finding a comfortable position;
• Waking up during the night due to discomfort;
• Feeling of excessive heat and poor breathability;
• More intense allergy symptoms (dust mites and moisture accumulation).

If you recognize yourself in several of these points, it is likely that your mattress is no longer fulfilling its main function.

If you are going through a period of adjustment to a new mattress, the most important thing is to monitor the progress night after night. In most cases, this process is temporary and results in more comfortable rest, with better body alignment and restful sleep.

If the pain persists after a few weeks, it is worth reevaluating the firmness, technology, and suitability of your mattress for your sleep profile. Explore our selection of mattresses and find the right option for your rest.