Waking Up with Back Pain? Your Mattress Could Be the Reason (Here’s How to Check)

If you’re waking up stiff or sore—even just occasionally—it might be time to rethink what’s beneath you every night. For many Kiwis, the culprit isn’t a strenuous workout or poor posture during the day—it’s their mattress. Yes, the very thing that’s supposed to support your body could be quietly harming your spine.

In Auckland and across New Zealand, back pain is one of the most common complaints, with up to 80% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. (source: bpacnz, 2022) Yet few people realise that their mattress could be quietly contributing to this daily discomfort. 

Let’s unpack how your mattress might be affecting your spine health and how you can check (and fix) it.

Why Spinal Alignment During Sleep Matters

Ever wake up feeling stiff, sore, or just not well-rested? Your mattress might be the reason.

Our spine has three natural curves—at the neck, mid-back, and lower back—and when those curves aren’t supported properly during sleep, things start to go downhill. Over time, poor spinal alignment can lead to: morning stiffness, recurring back pain, even long-term posture issues.

In fact, a 2022 study published in Biology found that when a mattress is too soft or too firm, it can throw your spine out of alignment—putting extra pressure on your lower back and hips and affecting your overall sleep quality.  (source: Biology, 2022）

Common Mattress Mistakes That Could Be Messing With Your Back

1. The “Too Soft” Trap

That cloud-like feeling might be nice at first, but if your hips sink in too much, your spine curves the wrong way—hello, lower back pain.

2. The “Too Firm” Struggle

A super firm mattress can feel more like the floor than a bed. It puts pressure on your shoulders and hips, making it hard for your body to fully relax.

3. What You Really Need: Balanced Support

The best mattress for back pain isn’t about picking sides—it’s about balance. Look for one that supports your spine’s natural curves, without being too soft or too hard. That’s where smart tech like AI-powered mattresses step in, adapting to your body as you sleep.

How HEKA AI Mattress Solves the Problem

For Kiwis seeking relief from back pain and truly restorative sleep, HEKA is quickly becoming the go-to mattress in New Zealand. The HEKA AI Mattress, available right here in Auckland, takes sleep technology to the next level. Unlike traditional mattresses, HEKA’s AI sensors respond to your sleeping posture in real time, adjusting firmness across different zones of your body.   

As a result:

Your spine stays aligned whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach. 

Pressure points are relieved across your shoulders, hips, and lower back. 

You have better quality of sleep everyday and and wake up without the risk of back pain or stiffness.

How to Check If Your Mattress is Supporting You Well

Here’s a simple self-check you can do tonight:

1. Lie down in your usual sleeping position. Pay attention to how supported your lower back feels.

2. Slide your hand between your lower back and the mattress. If there’s a large gap, your mattress isn’t supporting your spine properly.

3. Notice any pressure points. Do your shoulders or hips feel compressed? If so, your mattress may be too firm.

If any of this sound familiar, it’s time to consider a change.

Don’t Let Back Pain Sneak Up on You

Spinal issues don’t happen overnight—they build up slowly, often without obvious warning signs. By the time pain becomes noticeable, the damage is already done.

Investing in a mattress that supports your body properly is one of the easiest ways to safeguard your long-term health. Don’t wait for discomfort to become chronic.

Discover why more Aucklanders are choosing HEKA’s AI mattress for better sleep and a healthier spine.

Ready to experience the difference? Visit HEKA showroom in Auckland today and feel how personalised support can transform your sleep. Book your experience today at https://hekasleep.co.nz/pages/experience-heka and get your own personalised Sleep Analysis Report for free!