Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain

Expert Opinion

If you’re looking for a mattress that works well for shoulder pain, we’d recommend the Helix Midnight. This is a well-rounded hybrid mattress that combines both foams and coils for a excellent balance of body contouring and mobility. When testing it out, I felt shoulder pressure alleviated at the get-go, thanks to a memory foam comfort layer that allows you to sink in and get immediate relief in more sensitive areas.

I think the plush feel of the foam layers should allow for deep sinkage and shoulder pain relief, regardless of which sleeping position you prefer. I measured this in our pressure map test, which is where we lay a special mat over the mattress and use thermal imaging to measure how much pressure we feel during back and side sleeping. I found that back sleeping lit up the graphic almost completely blue (equating to low pressure in the shoulder and hip areas).

What Customers Say

Multiple reviews on the Helix website talk about how much they love the combination of sturdiness and plushness. Many of these customers stated that they woke up with virtually no back pain, which was a problem on their previous mattress.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• While testing the Midnight’s edge support, I found it to be super sturdy (scoring a 4 out of 5), so it should be more than suitable for folks who sleep on the edge of the bed.
• I scored this mattress a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling in our mattress lab, thanks to the Midnight’s breathable hybrid construction and special cooling features. So, hot sleepers should do really well on this bed.
• Back sleepers should enjoy this mattress because of the body contouring that it offers around their pressure points. This gives the mattress a “hugging” sensation, which is great for filling in the space around the lumbar region.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• This mattress didn’t score the absolute best in motion isolation (3.5 out of 5). So, if you’re a light sleeper sharing the bed with a partner or a pet, I recommend checking out an alternative mattress for couples.

Ready to try out the Helix Midnight? Click here to see our latest deals. You can also earn more in our full Helix Midnight mattress review, or check out some other choices in our roundup of the best mattresses.

Expert Opinion

Having both neck and shoulder pain is not a winning combo by any means. If you’re searching for some relief from both of these ailments, look no further than the Saatva Classic innerspring-style mattress. This is an incredibly luxurious option that’s offered in multiple firmnesses, and I think that the pillow top included in the Luxury Firm version of the mattress should work wonders for both neck and shoulder pain. To prove this, I performed a pressure map test and found that the Saatva had extremely low pressure buildup in both the back- and side-sleeping positions. The Saatva also includes innerspring coils that have zoned support, which can help prevent jamming around the hips and shoulders.

The Saatva scored a 6.5 on our firmness scale for its Luxury Firm version, making it what I consider to be a true medium-firm mattress. However, Saatva also offers this model in a Soft option. So, if your shoulders are particularly sensitive, I definitely recommend you to opt for that version.

What Customers Say

Customers on the Saatva website love the friendliness and timeliness of the company’s customer service. From ordering their mattress to its super convenient white glove delivery, folks seemed more than satisfied throughout the mattress-buying process.

Pros of the Saatva Classic Mattress

• The Saatva Classic includes zoned support, which allows for more comfort around the hips, shoulders, and lumbar region. This is great for sleepers who suffer from back pain, as this area will receive pressure relief from the gel visco pillow topper and support from the coils in the base layer.
• The high-quality materials and thoughtfully luxurious construction of the Saatva makes it one of my favorite durable mattresses. You shouldn’t have to worry about foam prematurely sagging and can expect quite the mattress lifespan.
• Because of the balanced nature of this mattress, the Saatva Classic is a fantastic choice for back sleepers. They should be comfortable on either the Soft or the Luxury Firm model.

Cons of the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Those favoring a memory foam feel will likely feel uncomfortable on this sturdier innerspring-style bed. For these folks, I recommend the best memory foam mattresses.

Click here for our best deal, or take a look at our full Saatva Classic mattress review for more info. You can check out more options on our best mattresses for neck pain page.

Expert Opinion

Many hybrid mattresses are a little too firm for sleepers with shoulder pain because of the steel-coil support layers included in their construction. However, the WinkBed offers a Softer model that (naturally) has a softer feel. This is great for sleepers who suffer from joint pain because they’ll get added pressure relief and comfort around these sensitive areas. The quilted Tencel cover included in the WinkBed, which is made from eucalyptus wood cellulose, also helps to contour and fill the lumbar region.

When I tested out the WinkBed, I found that, while the zoned support coils in the base layer create some bounce, the comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam cushioned my shoulders and allowed me to sink into the bed for some pressure relief.

What Customers Say

Customers on the WinkBed website often state how much better their back pain got after sleeping on this mattress for a few weeks. Even users who recently had back surgery state that the WinkBed helped them to sleep through the night without being woken up by their pain.

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

• The reinforced edges on the WinkBed allow for strong edge support. This is great for couples who want to spread out and use the full surface area of their mattress without fear or sinkage or sagging near the edges.
• Lightweight sleepers should rest well in all sleeping positions on the WinkBed. The slightly firm feel of this mattress, combined with the softer Euro pillow top, makes it sturdy enough for lightweight back and stomach sleepers, while providing pressure relief for lightweight side sleepers.
• Stomach and back sleepers with back pain should get the pressure relief they need from the WinkBed, specifically because of the plush top layer that fills in the space around their lower back. However, side sleepers might need a softer mattress in order to feel that same relief.

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

• While the WinkBed isn’t the most expensive bed on this list, it’s still rather pricey. If you’re a shopper on a budget, consider looking at my page of the best affordable mattresses.

Ready to get the best of both worlds from the WinkBed? Get our best deal here. Still not sure if this is for you? Learn more in our full WinkBed mattress review, or take a look at our picks for the best hybrid mattress.

Expert Opinion

The all-foam Nectar is the brand’s flagship memory foam mattress. Although memory foam tends to sleep hot, I found that the Nectar is the exception to the rule. I measured the bed’s temperature with a thermal gun after five minutes of lying on it, and it heated up less than 6 degrees. This indicates good cooling capabilities, and for a memory foam bed, I think it’s one of the best cooling mattresses out there.

Of course, I’ve placed it on this roundup because it’s also a good mattress for shoulder pain, specifically for back and stomach sleepers. It’s important to note that, with a score of 6.5 on our firmness test, the Nectar mattress is considered medium firm, which makes it stand out on this list of mostly soft mattresses.

What Customers Say

There are more than 51,000 reviews for the Nectar on the brand’s website, with an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 8,000 of these testimonials mention that the mattress has soothed the sleeper’s pain, including this one from a verified buyer: “I researched many mattresses for side sleepers that specifically had chronic shoulder pain. After I found 3 separate reviews that recommended Nectar, I bought their mattress. All of my pains are gone, especially the shoulder.”

I should note that while I don’t recommend the Nectar for side sleepers with joint pain (more on that below), many buyers still find the bed comfortable in this sleeping position.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• I found the memory foam of the Nectar to be quite responsive. Combination sleepers should have no trouble switching sleeping positions on its surface.
• Back sleepers and stomach sleepers should both get the support they need from the Nectar, which is key to maintaining a neutral spinal alignment.
• After discounts, you can often find a queen-size Nectar for under $1,000 on the brand’s website.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• While most people will probably find the Nectar comfortable in the side-sleeping position, side strict side sleepers with joint pain might experience some jamming up at the shoulders and hips. I recommend these folks opt for the softer Nectar Premier or take a look at my roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Think the Nectar will change the way you sleep? Click here to get our best deal. If you’re still undecided, learn more in our full Nectar mattress review, or check out our picks for best cooling mattress.

Expert Opinion

The Saatva RX is a luxury hybrid mattress that the brand considers a go-to for people struggling with “chronic back and joint conditions.” It construction blends cooling comfort foams with multiple innerspring layers, with the intent of cushioning your joints while also supporting your spine. We found it to be an effective combination, with very little pressure buildup in both the back- and side-sleeping position.

Let’s break down the construction layer by layer. On top of the bed is an airy organic cotton cover, with two foam-based comfort layers underneath, both of which are infused with gel to help promote cooling. Then, for additional airflow, support, and durability throughout the mattress, two coiled layers create a sturdy foundation. When we scored the Saatva Rx on our mattress firmness scale, we settled on 6.5 out of 10 — the industry standard for medium firm.

What Customers Say

On Saatva’s official website, the RX has 113 verified buyer reviews with an average score of 4.8/5. One verified reviewer wrote, “I am very pleased with my new Saatva Rx mattress. I have slept on it for one week and find it very comfortable. My last mattress was causing me shoulder pain when I slept on my side. That pain is gone. I have low back and neck issues which is why I purchased this mattress. I am sleeping well and waking up refreshed. I recommend this mattress.”

Pros of the Saatva Rx Mattress

• The Saatva RX is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and has a seal of approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
• Back and side sleepers should find plenty of relief and support on the RX, which could potentially help alleviate and prevent inflammation in the shoulders and back.
• We found minimal body heat buildup when judging the RX with a thermal gun. This, likely due to the various cooling technologies built into RX’s materials and design, makes the mattress an excellent choice for hot sleepers.

Cons of the Saatva Rx Mattress

• Some heavier stomach sleepers may want to consider a mattress with firmer options.
• The Saatva RX may be a bit on the pricier side for consumers on a budget.

Ready to try out the Saatva Rx for yourself? Click here to get our best deal. You can also explore other options on our picks for the best mattresses for back pain.

Expert Opinion

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain but also want a bed that accommodates your partner’s needs, look no further than the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. There are three different firmnesses to cater to a variety of sleepers, but for the best shoulder pain relief, I suggest opting for the Soft model. It has a thick and cozy cover, as well as a contouring memory foam layer that treats you to a good bit of contouring.

Regardless of which model you choose, the Signature Hybrid has several traits that I recommend for couples. First, I found that it has really strong edge support, which is essentially the strength of a mattress’s perimeter. This means couples should be able to spread out on this mattress and sleep close to the edge of the bed while still feeling supported. Also, the hybrid construction should offer plenty of breathability for two sleepers. You can even add a cooling cover for an additional fee if you’re someone who overheats easily. Finally, the level of responsiveness in this bed makes the Signature Hybrid a good option for sex. You shouldn’t feel stuck in the material, and should find that it’s easy to switch positions.

What Customers Say

Impressively, there are over 10,000 Signature Hybrid reviews on the company site. While browsing them, we found a large number of people commented on the outstanding level of support they feel on this bed, whether they sleep alone or with a partner.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• I felt very comfortable on the Signature Hybrid while back sleeping. If you sleep in this position, I recommend choosing the Medium model, which should give you pressure relief at the lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
• The responsiveness of this bed also makes it a natural choice for combination sleepers. They should be able to switch sleeping positions with ease.
• Side sleepers should be comfortable on the Signature Hybrid, but I recommend they opt for the Soft model to get the deepest contouring and pressure relief at their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should go for the Firm model.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• The one area where the Signature Hybrid might be an issue for some couples is motion isolation. When measuring the mattress’s vibrations with a seismometer, I saw some spikes. While this shouldn’t be a problem for most sleepers, it’s something to consider if you or your partner is a light sleeper and easily feels the other’s tossing and turning.

Ready to try out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid? Click here to see our latest deals. You can also earn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review, or check out some other choices in our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.

Expert Opinion

If you’re an athlete or just someone who’s active throughout the day, you can end up with sore or overused muscles by bedtime. A mattress that appropriately cushions muscles in the shoulder area can really help reduce pain, making it easier to fall asleep. I think the Bear Elite Hybrid is a great option for this. Its soft memory foam up top provided me with plenty of contouring, while the coils at the bottom of the bed kept me supported. It also has the brand’s trademark cover made of Celliant, a material that some studies show assists with blood flow and muscle recovery. The cover can purchased at additional cost. While Sleepopolis hasn’t verified this claim ourselves, it’s designed to absorb your body’s energy, then redirect it back to you for these health benefits.

The Bear Elite Hybrid scored a 6 on our firmness scale, making it only slightly softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. This can be helpful for sleepers who want that pressure relief around sensitive areas like their hips, shoulders, and lower back, but also still want to feel supported by their mattress. Unlike other mattresses in this roundup, the Bear Elite Hybrid as a more “on top” feel to it, so sleepers shouldn’t feel like they’re sinking too far into this mattress’s layers.

What Customers Say

Many customers on the Bear website praise the Bear Elite Hybrid because of its combination of coils and foams. These users state that the foams in the top layer invite them to lie down, while the coils keep them from sinking too far into the same spot during the night.

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear Elite Hybrid includes a cooling cover and copper-infused foam that help get rid of body heat. The phase change material included in the top layer also helps to absorb body heat, and the Bear brand states that the Elite Hybrid has the most advanced cooling technology of all of their mattresses, making it a great choice for hot sleepers.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid also has edge-to-edge coils in its construction, which helps to create strong edge support in this bed. This is great for couples who want to use the full surface area of their mattress without fear of sagging near the sides.
• Combination sleepers should appreciate the Bear Elite Hybrid because of its “on top” feel. This allows for these sleepers to easily move around and switch positions throughout the night.

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

• The Bear Elite Hybrid is considered a luxury mattress, so it is a bit more expensive than the other mattresses from this brand, with a queen sized mattress coming in at around $2,000. Budget-conscious shoppers may want to take a look at my roundup of the best mattresses under $1,000 for some cheaper options.

Sold on the Bear Elite Hybrid? Get our latest deal here. Still looking for a mattress? Learn more in our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review, or check out some other options in our best mattress for athletes roundup.

Expert Opinion

Back sleepers often fare best on a medium-firm mattress that blends pressure relief and support. But shoulder pain sufferers often need a soft to medium-soft mattress to get adequate pressure relief. Because of this, it can be hard to find a bed that meets both needs. Luckily, the Nolah Signature’s combination of soft AirFoam and more supportive high-density foam makes it a great fit for these folks. The Nolah brand states that the Nolah Signature offers “best-in-class pressure relief,” something I definitely felt when I laid down. I got some nice contouring at the lower back without ever feeling like I was sinking too far into the layers.

The Nolah Signature scored a 5.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it softer than the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress. Much like the majority of the beds on this list, the Nolah Signature also has more of a “sinking” feeling to it, rather than an “on top” feeling. This helps sleepers who suffer with shoulder pain to get the body contouring they need from their mattress.

What Customers Say

Nolah Signature users love the balance of comfort and stability that is present in this mattress. These customers say that the Nolah Signature helped them achieve pressure relief in their sensitive joints (especially their back and shoulders), while still keeping their body elevated and “on top” of the bed.

Pros of the Nolah Signature Mattress

• Side sleepers should appreciate the overall soft feel of the Nolah Signature. This should give them some added pressure relief around their shoulders and hips — areas that can become sensitive during side sleeping.
• The Nolah Signature is a great mattress option for sleepers who suffer from back pain. In my pressure map test, the Nolah Signature lit up blue and green for back pain, so sleepers should feel the layers of foam filling in the space around their lumbar region. However, stomach sleepers with back pain might want to look for a firmer option to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
• The Nolah Signature received great results on my motion isolation test. The Airfoam used in this mattress has a slow response to pressure, meaning that this bed isn’t very bouncy. Because of this, couples shouldn’t be disturbed by their partner’s movements during the night.

Cons of the Nolah Signature Mattress

• The Nolah Signature is definitely on the softer side for a mattress, so stomach sleepers might find that this bed is not able to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. This could lead to pain while sleeping, so I recommend these sleepers check out my roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers instead.

Decided on the Nolah Signature? Get our best deal here. Still looking for the right mattress for you? Learn more in our full Nolah Signature mattress review, or browse through our top picks for best mattress for back sleepers.

Expert Opinion

Heavy sleepers can have a harder time trying to find a good mattress for their shoulder pain. While these folks require a more supportive mattress to keep their bodies lifted in proper alignment, they’re also going to want sufficient pressure relief to ease tension off the shoulder. A mattress made for heavy people, I think the Titan Plus Luxe strikes this balance better than any other bed on the market. It includes a thick and responsive layer of transition foam, individually encased coils, and high-density foam for support.

For relieving shoulder pain, the Titan Plus Luxe utilizes a quilted memory foam cover, as well as a specially designed comfort layer, for top-tier pressure relief. I had my weightlifter friend Paulie, who classifies as a heavier sleeper (over 250 pounds), come in and test out this mattress. During our pressure map test, Paulie’s graphic showed little to no buildup in all sleeping positions. So, whether you’re a heavy back, side, or stomach sleeper, you should find relief on the Titan Plus Luxe.

What Customers Say

For such a unique mattress with such durable materials, consumers were delighted at the overall value of the Titan Plus Luxe. Shoppers can find a queen size for under $1,599 before discounts.

Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress

• There are a number of cooling features in this luxury mattress, but if you sleep extra hot, you can purchase the Glaciotex Cooling Cover.
• This mattress has a medium-firm feel that should primarily appeal to heavy back and side sleepers. However, if you want something a bit firmer, opt for the original version: the Titan Plus.
• This is a phenomenal mattress for couples, as it excels in all of the main factors I look for in a bed for two: motion isolation, responsiveness, cooling, and edge support.

Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress

• Since this bed was designed for folks over 250 pounds, lightweight sleepers will likely find the Titan Plus Luxe to be too firm for their needs.

Ready to try out the Titan Plus Luxe? Click here to see our latest deals. You can also earn more in our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review, or check out some other choices in our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers.

Expert Opinion

If you’re a particularly eco-conscious person who also wants the best mattress for shoulder pain, let me point you to the Birch Luxe Natural. Unlike many beds on this roundup, it’s not only organic, but made with latex — a material known for being naturally responsive and cooling. This offers an elegant feel that simple foams and springs are unable to replicate. Another unique aspect about the Birch’s latex is that it contours to the shoulders of back and stomach sleepers. My pressure map results showed some particularly fantastic results for these positions.

The Birch Luxe Natural scored a 7 out of 10 on our firmness test, making this mattress firmer than our standard for a medium-firm bed. This is thanks to its blend of comfort from the organic cover and natural latex, and support from the pocketed coils. All of these layers sit atop organic wool. It’s no surprise that with all of the quality materials, this mattress holds a host of certifications for sustainability, emissions, materials, and production.

What Customers Say

Users on the Birch website often comment on how much they love that their sleeping surface is not only comfortable, but good for the environment.

Pros of the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

• The responsive nature of this mattress makes it a fantastic choice for combination sleepers and anyone with mobility issues.
• Not surprisingly, the Birch Luxe Natural’s quality materials do wonders for the bed’s lifespan. If you’re looking for a durable option, you’ve certainly found it.
• The Birch Luxe Natural includes zoned support in its support layer, meaning that some spots of the mattress are firmer than others. This gives your body support where it needs it the most, and can go a long way toward helping prevent back pain.

Cons of the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress

• As a firmer bed, this mattress does not contour enough to the shoulders of side sleepers, who require the best soft mattresses.

Click here to see our current deals, or learn more in our full Birch Luxe Natural mattress review. Still searching? Take a look at our picks for best organic mattresses.