If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, whether it’s from overuse, injury, or a progressive condition like arthritis, your sleep may be suffering as well. (1) Sore, stiff shoulders can make getting comfortable tricky and even pose a challenge for simply getting in and out of bed. The best mattresses for shoulder pain have the right balance of cushioning and support for your preferred sleep style, ensuring much-needed pressure relief and proper posture for a neutral spine. (2) Without the right support, it’s common for the hips to sink out of alignment with the spine, leading to more aches and pain and disrupted sleep. (3)
We did the research and the hands-on testing of the best mattresses to find the eight best for shoulder pain. In addition to prioritizing pressure relief and support, our team of testers and reviewers considered additional key aspects of a great mattress, including cooling ability, motion isolation, and responsiveness. Below, find our detailed reviews of the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Best mattress for shoulder pain overall
After hours of testing—including using a pressure map test to identify precise levels of pressure exerted on different joints—our team crowned the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best overall mattress for shoulder pain. This popular hybrid is designed to meet the needs of side sleepers. It combines excellent pressure relief with a balanced feel and just enough cushioning to cradle the shoulders without compromising support in the spine.
Our picks for the best mattresses for shoulder pain
- Best overall: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Best for side sleepers: Nectar Premier
- Best for neck and shoulder pain: WinkBeds The WinkBed
- Best for back and shoulder pain: Saatva Classic
- Best for hip and shoulder pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Best cooling: Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Best for back sleepers: Saatva Rx
- Best firm: Titan Plus
Compare mattresses for shoulder pain
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| Helix Midnight Luxe | Nectar Premier | WinkBeds The WinkBed | Saatva Classic | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Saatva Rx | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Best for | Overall | Side sleepers | Neck and shoulder pain | Back and shoulder pain | Hip and shoulder pain | Cooling | Back sleepers | Firm |
| Price | $2,373.80 | $949 | $1,799 | $2,095 | $1,865 | $1,319 | $3,295 | $1,249 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Memory foam | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall mattress for shoulder pain: Helix Midnight Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium hybrid with features that accommodate side sleepers. Pressure-relieving foams evenly distribute body weight and gently cushion the hips and shoulders to ease aches and pains. Plus, it offers zoned support to promote a neutral spine.
- Our testers say the Midnight Luxe has a balanced feel that keeps you lifted on the mattress, while the pillow top adds enough cushion for comfort.
- While the mattress is priced on the higher end of the spectrum at around $2,374 for a queen, Helix has regular sales and promotions that drop the price by hundreds of dollars.
- The brand says the Helix Midnight is designed for side sleepers, but its upgraded lumbar support also makes it a great option for back sleepers.
- Based on our pressure-relief map testing, we think this is a great fit for lightweight and average-weight sleepers looking to ease shoulder pain.
Why we like Helix Midnight Luxe as best overall
The Helix Midnight Luxe may fall into the mattress-in-a-box category, but it’s part of Helix’s Luxe collection, which means a host of upgraded features. The six-layer hybrid measures 13.5 inches and includes a combination of premium foams and coils that give it, in the words of our testers, “a very balanced feel.” While there is gentle cushioning from the pillow top, which contours lightly around protruding points like hips and shoulders, sleepers are very much on the mattress, not sinking into it.
For sleepers with shoulder pain, pressure relief is key. According to our pressure map testing, our lightweight and average weight testers had perfect readings for back sleeping, with our lightweight testing showing slight pressure in the hip when testing the mattress on the side. In other words, pressure relief is pretty solid with the Midnight Luxe. That’s balanced nicely by the upgraded lumbar support, which is zoned for firmer compression in the center third of the mattress and softer around the hips and shoulders. For shoulder pain relief, that’s ideal.
While Helix says the Midnight Luxe offers targeted side sleeper support, our team found it a great option for back sleepers and select combination sleepers. The bed’s surface is easy to move around on, with slight sinking. It could work for couples as well—our team reports that the supportive edges of the mattress offer a lot of reinforcement when you lie along the side. Remember that motion isolation is average, which is expected for a bed with coils.
The Midnight Luxe doesn’t feature active cooling technology unless you upgrade to the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover, which adds a few hundred dollars to the price tag. Still, the hybrid construction and gel-infused memory foam minimize heat retention, even without the upgrade. (4)
As for price, a queen size retails for about $2,374, which puts the Helix Midnight Luxe on the higher end for comparable hybrid mattresses. However, Helix has regular promotions and sales pricing that drops the price to around $1,800, which makes it more accessible to a wider range of shoppers.
To learn more about this brand, visit our full Helix mattress review.
Specs
| Price | $2,373.80 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 15 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain: Nectar Premier
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar Premier is a classic memory foam mattress with a great balance of sink and support, delivering pressure relief and neutral alignment for a wide range of sleepers.
- Thanks to its layers of memory foam, pressure relief is a standout feature of the Nectar Premier, making it a great pick for those with shoulder pain.
- This memory foam mattress is valued at $2,233 and yet affordably priced at under $1,000, and Nectar offers deals, discounts, and bundles for even more value.
- Excellent motion isolation is another hallmark of memory foam, so couples will find this mattress a good choice.
- Nectar offers one of the most generous sleep trials in the industry—the year-long trial gives buyers plenty of time to test its features for shoulder pain relief.
Why we like Nectar Premier as best for side sleepers
According to a study, adults spend more than 50% of their night sleeping on their sides, so finding a mattress that supports this sleep style is important for many of us. (5) With its memory foam layers, the Nectar Premier mattress is a good fit for side sleepers. The 13-inch mattress blends support and pressure relief to help ease shoulder pain. Our team says the mattress has a therapeutic feel as it gently conforms to the body’s curves, distributing body weight evenly and helping to maintain spinal alignment. Its medium-firm feel is universally comfortable and accommodates a range of sleepers.
Memory foam is known for dampening motion isolation, which is beneficial for anyone who shares the bed with a partner or pet. However, all-foam mattresses don’t offer the edge support of their hybrid counterparts, which could pose an issue for couples looking to spread out or anyone with mobility issues.
While memory foam does have a tendency to sleep hot, the foam in the Nectar Premier is infused with gel to keep that to a minimum. It has a breathable, moisture-wicking cover designed for more comfortable sleep. According to our testers, the Nectar does sleep cooler than traditional memory foam, but exceptionally hot sleepers may still want to consider a mattress with active cooling features.
The Nectar Premier mattress is highly rated on Amazon, and hundreds of people credit its cushioning support for improving shoulder pain. It’s also a budget-friendly mattress, especially considering its upgraded features, with a queen size priced under $1,000.
Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers, or read our full Nectar Premier mattress review.
Specs
| Price | $949 |
| Material | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for neck and shoulder pain: WinkBeds The Winkbed
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options, so shoppers can choose the best match for their body type and sleep style. The combination of memory foam and coils delivers pressure relief and spinal support to nix neck, back, and shoulder pain, while the cushioning Euro-pillow top adds a little luxury.
- The soft, plush Euro-pillow top offers subtle pressure relief around the hips and shoulders, but our team reported that they felt very uplifted on the mattress, with little sinkage.
- The WinkBed has a mid-range price tag of $1,799, especially when it’s on sale, but the premium materials mean a lot of bang for your buck.
- With four firmness levels, The WinkBed is designed to accommodate a wide range of sleepers.
- Our team found that the breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and hybrid construction work well to minimize heat retention.
Why we like The Winkbed as best for neck and shoulder pain
The WinkBed is designed for a premium sleep experience, with upgraded materials and a supportive hybrid construction that put it squarely in the luxury mattress category. It’s available in many firmnesses options from Soft to Firm, with a reinforced model designed to support more weight. By choosing the most appropriate firmness for your sleep style and body type, The WinkBed can help ease body aches of all kinds, from the back to the neck to the shoulders.
Our team tested the Luxury Firm model, which is WinkBed’s bestseller, and were immediately taken with the plush Euro-pillow top. In addition to relieving pressure in the hips and shoulders, it also eased pressure in the lumbar region. Our testers reported feeling lifted and supported with comfortably aligned spines—a key mattress feature for reducing aches and pains. (6) The gel-infused memory foam and innerspring coil system worked together to distribute body weight and deliver targeted support, with denser support in areas of deeper compression. While The WinkBed isn’t particularly bouncy, our team reports that it’s easy to change positions. Stabilizing foam in the mattress helps reduce motion transfer, but our motion isolation tests found reasonable movement. According to our testers, it’s not horrible, but it’s certainly something to note, especially if you share your bed with a partner. The WinkBed also has a reinforced perimeter—the Extra-Edge™ Support System, per the brand—which we found sturdy and supportive when seated at the edge but less impressive when we lay there.
The mattress isn’t made with active cooling features, but the breathable nature of the Tencel cover and coil layer combine with the gel-infused foam to minimize heat retention. Still, our team notes that exceptionally hot sleepers may want to consider a cooling mattress.
Overall, The WinkBed has the materials and construction to properly support the body for pain relief. While the 120-day trial window is shorter than that of some competitors, the lifetime warranty offers peace of mind.
See additional mattresses that target neck pain, in our roundup of the best mattresses for neck pain. Or, check out our WinkBed mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Price | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, Plus |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best mattress for back and shoulder pain: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Classic is a popular luxury innerspring mattress with a coil-on-coil construction and a Euro top that contours gently, providing excellent lumbar support and pressure relief. The choice of firmness and height makes it easy to customize the mattress to individual sleep needs.
- The Saatva Classic comes in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm feels to accommodate different sleep styles and body types.
- A queen is priced at $2,095, which is slightly higher than competitors.
- The double coil layer is zoned for firmer support in the lumbar region and lighter compression around the shoulders, which works well for those with back and shoulder pain.
- Excellent edge support meant our testers felt stable sitting and lying along the side of the mattress.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best for back and shoulder pain
To address back and shoulder pain, a mattress should evenly distribute body weight to properly support the spine and relieve pressure. With its dual coil layer, the Saatva Classic offers targeted support that’s stronger in areas of deeper compression and lighter in other areas. In other words, it’s firmer in the center third of the mattress to better support the bulk of your body weight, which promotes a neutral spine to ease back pain. That’s a big bonus when you understand the relationship between low back pain and sleep disturbances. (7) The softer firmness around the shoulders means just enough cushioning for a cradled yet supported feel. Plus, three mattress firmness options to choose from make it possible to account for your preferred sleep position and body type.
The double layer of coils also gives the luxury innerspring mattress a very bouncy, responsive feel, which is typical for this type of mattress. That’s a great fit for combination sleepers but not ideal for couples looking for standout motion isolation. According to our testers, motion isolation isn’t great on the Saatva Classic, so disruptions from a restless bed partner will likely be noticeable.
Hot sleepers, on the other hand, should fare well. Our testers say the mattress feels airy and comfortable despite no active cooling technology. That’s thanks to the organic cotton cover and layers of coils, which allow air to circulate. If overheating at night is a persistent issue, you may want to consider a mattress with upgraded cooling features.
At $2,095 for a queen, the Saatva Classic is priced a little higher than competitors. Saatva doesn’t offer continuous promotions like some other brands, but there are frequent sales throughout the year to bring the price point down. Saatva has one of the most generous sleep trials at 365 days, and a lifetime warranty backs its mattresses. On the downside, returns do have a $99 fee.
See our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain or our full Saatva mattress review to find additional options.
Specs
| Price | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for hip and shoulder pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
While the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is highly regarded for its cooling ability, it also offers impressive support and contouring to promote a neutral spine. For those with hip and shoulder pain, the mattress features Copperflex™ foam, which is comparable to latex in its pressure-relieving benefits.
- Our testers report feeling lifted and supported, with little body sinkage and noticeable alignment.
- Regular sales and promotions bring the Aurora Luxe’s price down by hundreds of dollars—to about $1,865 for a queen—putting it in the middle of the pack compared to competitors.
- Combination sleepers will appreciate the mattress’s impressive responsiveness, which our testers compared to the bounce of an innerspring.
- Cooling upgrades include a cool-to-the-touch cover, gel-infused foam, and premium steel coils.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as best for hip and shoulder pain
We’ve crowned the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe the best cooling pick in our hotel mattress roundup in the past, thanks to its stellar construction that includes cooling upgrades. For hot, sweaty sleepers, managing sleep temperature with a mattress that combats heat retention can be a helpful way to improve sleep quality. (8)
However, those with hip and shoulder pain will also appreciate the Aurora Luxe’s choice of firmness, which accommodates different sleep styles, and its flexible foam layers and core coil. Copperflex™ is similar to latex in pressure relief, but it’s not as expensive to produce, reducing the mattress price tag. Fair warning, however, that our testers found the mattress a touch too firm for side sleepers, so this is a better pick for back sleepers with hip and shoulder pain. Side sleepers may want to consider upgrading to the Cloud Pillow Top, which adds additional pressure relief and contouring.
Our testers were also impressed by the responsiveness of the Aurora Luxe, describing it as super bouncy and noting that it was easy to change positions. Despite that, the mattress also scored well for motion isolation. During our testing, movements were detectable from a partner on the bed without being disruptive.
The Aurora Luxe has a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover with special fibers to actively wick away heat. While it works wonders for keeping the mattress top cool to the touch, it has a slippery sensation that makes our testers feel a little unstable near the edge of the mattress. The coils on the sides are reinforced lengthwise to minimize sinking. Our testers had the sensation that they could slide right off.
Brooklyn Bedding offers an average 120-night trial for this mattress. It’s not as lengthy as some brands, but it gives you four months to determine how well the mattress eases your hip and shoulder pain.
Check out the best mattresses for hip pain to find more excellent options. Or, see our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review to learn more.
Specs
| Price | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best cooling mattress for shoulder pain: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a budget-friendly hybrid designed to sleep cooler. It features a soft, moisture-wicking cover and patented Breezy Airgocell™ foam designed to dissipate heat while the coil layer promotes airflow for cooler nights.
- Heat-dissipating foam, a moisture-wicking cover, and a breathable coil layer help this mattress sleep cool and comfortably.
- The Emma Hybrid Comfort is priced at the lower end, at $1,319 for a queen, and that’s before the brand’s sales, which significantly lower the cost.
- Five ergonomic zones offer targeted support for improved spinal alignment.
- Our testers gave the mattress full marks for motion isolation, which is a great mattress for couples.
Why we like Emma Hybrid Comfort as best cooling mattress
Managing temperature directly affects sleep quality (9), and the Emma Hybrid Comfort is a budget-friendly hybrid designed to sleep cooler. It starts with a soft, moisture-wicking cover and patented Breezy Airgocell™ foam designed to dissipate heat. The open-celled foam also isolates motion to an impressive degree—our testers report that they could barely feel one another jumping on the mattress.
The coil layer in the Emma Hybrid, which is zoned for targeted support, also promotes airflow for cooler nights. The mattress is designed to ergonomically align with the body, curving and contouring to distribute body weight and ease tension.
The brand says the Emma Hybrid Comfort has a medium feel, but our team ranks it much firmer, describing it as “firm on top with a little sinkage.” In fact, they say that it’s one of the most uplifting mattresses they’ve encountered. Because of that, we recommend it for back and stomach sleepers (particularly those who sleep warm). It’s likely to simply be too firm for dedicated side sleepers.
Our team noted that despite its “on top” feel, the uppermost foam layers make it a touch more difficult to quickly change positions. But it tested fairly well for edge support. They did point out that it was surprisingly noisy, which is something to keep in mind. That said, you really can’t beat the price. At $1,319 for a queen, it’s a great cooling mattress for the money. Plus, with Emma’s promotions and sales, you can snag the mattress for under $1,000.
To view more cooling options, check out our roundup of the best cooling mattresses. Or, see our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review to see what else this brand has to offer.
Specs
| Price | $1,319 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best mattress for back sleepers with shoulder pain: Saatva Rx
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Rx was designed to deliver maximum support and pressure relief, making it suitable for people with chronic back and joint issues. A trademarked support core adjusts to the body’s curves and movements to keep weight distributed for greater comfort.
- The plush feel of the Saatva Rx is squishy yet supportive, according to our testers, with a cushioning pillow top and wide, pocketed coils that keep you elevated.
- This is an expensive mattress with a $3,295 price tag (for a queen).
- All testers loved this mattress, though it’s particularly well suited to back sleepers in all weight ranges.
- The 15-inch mattress has a unique construction, with transition layers within each pocketed coil, making it a durable pick.
Why we like Saatva Rx as best for back sleepers
Back sleepers benefit from a mattress with enhanced lumbar support, and the Saatva Rx delivers in more ways than one. A gel-infused memory foam lumbar crown adds extra support and durability to the middle of the mattress (the deepest compression area) while drawing heat away for cooler sleep. A one-inch micro-coil layer is reinforced in the center and around the perimeter for additional support and flexible contouring. And then, there’s the Therapeutic Support Core™, which is made of two-inch Rx Foam Modules™ that are encased on top of each pocketed coil. The modular foam design dampens motion isolation and supports contouring for targeted support. Our team reports that it adds durability to this mattress as well.
While the coils around the perimeter are reinforced, the Rx lacks the foam encasement found in the Classic. Our team reports that lying on the edge of the mattress is fine, but they noticed more slipping down when seated there. As expected from the combination of micro coils and pocketed coils, the Rx reacts immediately to movement, so it’s easy to change positions. Our testers say that major movements are stifled, but the materials in the Rx don’t absorb motion particularly well. It’s not terrible, but it’s not outperforming other Saatva mattresses in this regard.
Medium-firm mattresses are generally recommended for avoiding back pain and promoting better sleep quality. (10) The Saatva Rx has a supportive plush firmness, and our testers confirm that there’s a lot of cushioning from the pillow top. They describe the mattress as squishy and supportive but with plenty of elevation. According to our tests, back sleepers in all weight ranges enjoyed even weight distribution and ample lumbar support. Plus, the Saatva Rx is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
One thing to consider is the price tag. At $3,295, the Saatva Rx is more expensive than many competitors, but it’s a well-made mattress designed to ease chronic pain, so many will find it’s worth the money.
To see additional options, check out the best mattresses for back sleepers. Or, see our full Saatva Rx mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Price | $3,295 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Plush |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best firm mattress for shoulder pain: Titan Plus
Key product features
What you should know
Engineered to support more weight and resist premature sagging, the Titan Plus is a durable hybrid with firm support for even weight distribution and pressure relief.
- Our testers reported feeling incredibly supported, with no sinkage whatsoever.
- At $1,249 for a queen, this budget-friendly mattress gets even more affordable during the brand’s regular sales.
- Based on our testing, the Helix Plus is a great fit for back, stomach, and combination sleepers, particularly those with back or joint pain.
- High-density materials help ensure this mattress addresses common concerns for heavyweight sleepers, like premature sagging.
Why we like Titan Plus as best firm mattress
Sleepers searching for a truly firm mattress might want to consider the Titan Plus. It’s engineered to support bigger bodies, with high-density layers that deliver medium-firm to firm support, though the lighter weight you are, the firmer this mattress will feel. Generally, people weighing over 250 pounds benefit from more advanced support, and that’s what the Titan Plus delivers.
All of the materials in this mattress are durable or reinforced, from the high-density foam to the individually encased, eight-inch coils. Our team reports feeling incredibly supported on the mattress while seated on the edge. The combination of materials distributes body weight well to relieve pressure buildup, making this a good pick for heavier individuals with shoulder pain.
Despite the denser materials, we ranked the responsiveness of the Titan Plus quite high. Thanks to a touch of bounce, it’s easy to move around and change positions. On the other hand, that dropped the bed’s motion isolation score somewhat, which is something for couples to keep in mind.
The mattress has an optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover but note that it’s an upgrade. There are no other cooling properties, though the hybrid construction does encourage airflow. Consistently hot sleepers may want to look for a mattress with active cooling features.
We think the mattress’s firm feel works quite well for back and stomach sleepers in the average to heavy weight range, but lightweight sleepers will find it uncomfortably hard. For people in search of a firm mattress, especially those in higher weight ranges, the Titan Plus is a good fit. It’s also reasonably priced at around $1,250 for a queen, with regular discounts and sales that bring the price down under $1,000.
Check out our complete Titan mattress review or the best firm mattresses for additional options.
Specs
| Price | $1,249 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
How we test mattresses
Our methodical approach to mattress testing ensures the most comprehensive reviews. Whether you’re looking for the best mattresses for shoulder pain, side sleeping, or are on a budget, our hands-on testing means valuable insights. Our team of certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and real-world consumers assesses key features to rank mattresses for specific sleep needs. Then, we narrow down the contenders to determine best-in-class picks, like the eight chosen here as the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience, yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support, presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
How to choose a mattress for shoulder pain
A good mattress can go a long way to ease and even prevent shoulder pain. Here’s what to consider when you’re shopping.
Appropriate firmness
Don’t assume that a softer mattress is automatically the best choice if you have shoulder pain. Factors like sleep position and body weight will also play a role. Generally, a medium to medium-firm mattress offers a nice balance of support and cushioning for most people, including those with shoulder pain. (2) However, those weighing over 230 pounds and dedicated stomach sleepers, for instance, should opt for a firmer mattress to ensure appropriate support. Lightweight sleepers often do better with a softer mattress because they don’t compress the layers as much.
Pressure relief
Pressure relief is a mattress’s ability to ease stress on the shoulders and hips by distributing body weight and contouring closely to the body. Pressure relief is a key consideration in a mattress for side sleepers and those with shoulder pain. Materials like memory foam and latex offer excellent pressure relief.
Materials and construction
The materials and construction of a mattress affect its firmness, feel, and performance. All-foam mattresses, particularly those made with memory foam, can be closely contoured for superior pressure relief. However, memory foam tends to trap heat, which can be problematic for side sleepers. It also has a “hug” sensation that can make some sleepers feel “stuck.” Consider mattresses made with latex foam for comparable pressure relief but the sensation that you’re sleeping on the mattress instead of sinking into it.
Hybrid mattresses combine foam layers with a coil system for additional support. The combination of materials improves durability and allows for better airflow, but many hybrid mattresses cost more than their all-foam counterparts. For people with shoulder pain, a hybrid mattress can offer balanced support to help reduce achiness.
Company Policies
Online mattresses often come with sleep trials that give you plenty of time to test a mattress from the comfort of your own home. Before making a purchase, double-check the length of the trial window, which typically ranges from 100 to 365 nights, and scan the fine print to check for any return fees. It’s also wise to check out the warranty length, which generally runs between 10 years and a lifetime.
Check out our full guide on how to choose a mattress for more information.
FAQs
Which type of mattress is good for shoulder pain?
The best mattresses for shoulder pain cradle the shoulders to relieve pressure and ensure proper spinal alignment. They should also consider individual considerations like body weight, sleeping position, and personal preferences, which means some people may prefer cushioning memory foam while others benefit from a supportive hybrid.
Is my mattress causing shoulder pain?
A mattress that’s too firm or too soft can contribute to or even cause shoulder pain by aggravating pressure points or missing the mark on spinal support. Old mattresses that don’t offer enough support can also trigger shoulder pain.
How should I sleep to avoid shoulder pain?
Side sleeping puts a lot of pressure on the shoulders, which can lead to or worsen shoulder pain. Back sleeping is recommended to avoid shoulder pain since it doesn’t put much pressure on the shoulders and distributes body weight more evenly.
When should I get a mattress topper?
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort and a new mattress is out of the budget, a mattress topper can be an effective short-term fix. Mattress toppers can change the firmness of your mattress to better suit your sleeping position (but it can’t make up for an unsupportive mattress). If you’re a side sleeper with a firm mattress that is creating pressure in the shoulders and hips, a cushioning mattress topper can add much-needed pressure relief.
Our experts
Dr. Swathi Varanasi
Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the Medical University of South Carolina and Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Carleton College. She co-founded and was the first-ever healthcare professional in the US to complete postdoctoral residency training in integrative medicine and preventative health. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs in biotech and has training in nutrition from Cornell University.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Jessica Timmons
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer