The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint and a hot spot for pressure buildup, injury, and chronic pain. There are a variety of conditions that could cause shoulder pain, but if you can’t point to a specific ailment (like arthritis), your pain could be caused — at least in part — by your mattress. The best mattresses for shoulder pain are better at alleviating and preventing mattress-induced shoulder pain than others, so I’ve put together a list of my favorites.
When it comes to finding a mattress that helps to alleviate shoulder pain, the main thing I look at is its pressure-relieving capabilities. To test this, I put all of our mattresses through what’s called a pressure map test. During this test, I spread out a specialized mat on the mattress and then lie down on it in different positions. The map will record how much pressure I feel in each position, and then put that information into a graphic that shows us exactly how much pressure the mattress is exerting on my joints. Blue and green equate to low pressure, while yellow and red mean that there is quite a bit of pressure building in those areas.
Obviously, when you’re looking for a pain-relieving mattress, you’re going to want to go with one that has less pressure buildup, especially around the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Besides the pressure map test, you can also take a look at the firmness score of your mattress. To test this, we have our Sleepopolis mattress testers take a 15-minute power nap on the mattress, and then we combine the rankings to create our firmness score. Sleepers who suffer from joint pain are most likely going to want to pick a softer mattress (below a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale).
Keep reading to take a look at my favorite pain-relieving mattresses, and make sure to check out their full descriptions to see if they really are the best option for you.
Our Top Pick For Shoulder Pain
If you have shoulder pain, you’re likely looking for something that will cradle sensitive joints. The Helix Midnight fits the bill with its pressure-relieving comfort layers, countered at the bottom by supportive coils.
Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain
- Best Overall Mattress – Helix Midnight
- Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Classic
- Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
- Best Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Nectar
- Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature
- Best Mattress for Heavy Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
- Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Birch Luxe Natural
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain 2024 Video Review
What I Look For In The Best Mattresses For Shoulder Pain
Firmness
Shoulder pain can often happen from sleeping on your back or with arms up on your stomach, so it is especially important for these sleepers to consider the firmness of their mattress. Firmness can help to alleviate pain these sleepers experience, so I was sure to test for the firmness of all of the mattresses on this list. To test them I used our firmness scale, which runs 1-10 with 10 being the most firm. I generally recommend a 6.5 or softer for sleepers with shoulder pain.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is very important for anyone who is experiencing any kind of pain when they sleep or because of how they sleep. For this reason, I was sure to test for pressure relief of each of the mattresses on this list using a pressure map and focusing on shoulder relief to help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Material
The material of a mattress is important to any sleeper, and I wanted to be sure to include mattresses made from quality materials that would help keep you comfortable, cool, and alleviate shoulder pain. I generally look for innerspring or hybrid mattresses for those with shoulder pain, as these materials provide the necessary support and alignment needed for relieving shoulder pain.
Compare the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain
Helix Midnight Mattress
Saatva Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Nolah Signature 12" Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Birch Luxe Natural Mattress
Rating
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Firm: 7/10
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Multiple firmness options
Soft: 5.5/10
Firm: 7.5/10
Firm: 7/10
Material
Hybrid
Innerspring
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Hybrid
Foam
Hybrid
Hybrid
Cooling
--
✓
✓
--
--
✓
--
--
--
Sleep Position
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Combination
Combination
Back
Back & Stomach
Back & Side
Back & Side
Back & Stomach
Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain – Saatva Classic
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Best Hybrid Mattress for Shoulder Pain – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Best Cooling Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Best Mattress for Couples with Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Best Mattress for Athletes with Shoulder Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain – Nolah Signature
If you’re looking for a soft yet supportive foam option, the Nolah Signature should be a good fit. It’s supportive enough for back sleepers, while also providing enough contouring for side sleepers, especially at the shoulders and hips where the put the most pressure while sleeping. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Nolah Signature is a great choice for a lot of back and side sleepers. The sinkage this mattress provides should be a nice match for these sleepers and offer the pressure relief they need.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Best Mattress for Heavy People with Shoulder Pain – Titan Plus Luxe
The Titan Plus Luxe provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleep experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy back and side sleepers, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has excellent motion isolation and strong edge support. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Best Organic Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Birch Luxe Natural
Similar to the Birch Natural, the Birch Luxe Natural blends Talalay latex foam with sturdy coils that are zoned for support. We think it’s a good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers who enjoy a firmer bed. Its luxury upgrades include a softer cover with organic cotton and cashmere, plus the mattress has earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. To learn more, see our video review.
What our tester says:
“I love that the Birch Luxe Natural is an eco-friendly model. I think a lot of people would find comfort in knowing there are no harmful chemicals in this bed and it’s made from organic materials. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, I think the Birch Luxe could be a great option for you. It’s firm, yet breathable.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Why Trust Sleepopolis To Help you Find a Mattress
Here at Sleepopolis, we have personally tested over 300 mattresses to help every sleeper get the best night’s sleep they can. Our expert testing methods allow us to review beds in a way that is unbiased, honest, and most importantly, helpful. Using our knowledge of mattresses, pressure relief, and pain relief, we have compiled a list of the best possible mattresses for sleepers with shoulder pain. Below you can read more about our methodology for testing and also get expert tips on how to shop for a mattress that will help you with your shoulder pain.
Is Your Mattress Causing Shoulder Pain?
If you’re suffering from chronic shoulder pain or recovering from a shoulder injury, you should likely consult a medical professional or your doctor. However, if you’re experiencing shoulder pain after sleeping, or only experience it when laying on your mattress, it’s possible that your bed is the culprit.
A non-supportive mattress, broken down foams or coils, or an old and deteriorating mattress may contribute to pain across the body. If you sleep on your side for some or all of the night, then a poor mattress may be contributing to your pain. It’s also possible that the mattress you have is in good condition, but doesn’t keep your shoulders and back supported enough to alleviate pain, or isn’t relieving enough pressure in the right areas. I recommend continuing to read below to figure out exactly how to find a mattress that can help relieve shoulder pain.
Causes of Shoulder Pain
You may have chronic shoulder pain, you may have an injury, or you may have a bad mattress. Either way, I can help you find a solution in your bed. Below are some common causes of shoulder pain that you might look into before finalizing your mattress search.
- Rotator cuff tendinitis or injury
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Pinched nerves
- Frozen shoulder
- General injury or overexertion
Hear From the Doctor: What are the Primary Qualities I Should Look for In a Mattress for Shoulder Pain?
“If you’re looking to ease shoulder pain with your mattress, look for one that’s softer yet supportive, offers pressure relief, and keeps your hips and spine aligned. Memory foam or latex can be good materials for this, and you can also consider adding a mattress topper for a more plush surface.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
How I Test the Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
Now that you know which mattresses we’d personally recommend for shoulder pain, I want to give you an overview of how I assessed these beds. These expert tips can help you as you shop for your new mattress.
Firmness
Firmness is one of the most important considerations for sleepers shopping for a bed that alleviates shoulder pain. Firmness will determine how far you sink into your bed, and is rated on a scale of 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest).
If you’re a side or back sleeper with shoulder pain, we’d recommend you opt for a soft mattress (between a 4 and 6) on the mattress firmness scale. Some softness and sinkage should help cushion the pressure points around your body and provide some relief.
Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to keep their spines neutrally aligned and avoid back pain and arching and a soft, flat pillow that prevents them from craning their neck or putting pressure on their shoulders at night. We’d recommend checking out my best pillows for stomach sleepers if you’re a stomach sleeper struggling with shoulder or neck pain.
Hear From the Doctor: How Does the Firmness Level of a Mattress Contribute to or Alleviate Shoulder Pain?
“An overly firm mattress may lead to poor spinal alignment and lack of support, contributing to discomfort in your shoulder. A medium-firm mattress is often best, as it maintains proper spine curvature, distributes weight evenly and reduces pressure points. An overly soft mattress will provide the cushioning you need in your shoulder, however might misalign your spine and hips. ” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Support
Firmness and support are not interchangeable terms, given that softer mattresses can still offer plenty of support. A supportive mattress is one that aligns the spine and allows the shoulders to rest properly, no matter the position. If a softer mattress has correct support features, you’ll be able to sink into the bed without ever feeling like the mattress is closing in around you.
If you struggle with shoulder pain, you need to ensure your mattress supports a straight spinal alignment. Depending on your sleeping position, this could mean different things. In general, side sleepers need a bit of sinkage so that their shoulders and hips align with their lower back, back sleepers need a medium-firm bed that keeps their hips supported, and stomach sleepers need a firm mattress. If you struggle with shoulder pain, it may seem counterintuitive to get a firmer mattress, but if your soft mattress is not providing adequate support, you’ll carry tension throughout your entire body.
In fact, tension from improper sleep posture can be particularly noticeable in the shoulders. This doesn’t mean you need to swap a soft bed for a firm one, but it does mean that you need to consider a more supportive bed. If you deal with shoulder pain, we’d recommend opting for a mattress that’s soft enough to provide pressure relief, but supportive enough to align your spine in your chosen sleeping position.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the perimeter of your mattress. Having strong edges is especially important for couples, as it allows them to be able to use the full surface of the mattress without worrying about rolling off. It also allows ease getting out of bed which is especially important for seniors, or anyone with chronic pain. A supportive edge allows for easier movement in and out of bed, reducing strain on the shoulders. For sleepers with shoulder pain, proper edge support allows for spine alignment without excessive sinkage. I test for edge support by using a yard stick to measure the level of sinkage felt when sat on the edge of the bed.
Pressure Relief
When I talk about a mattress’s pressure relief, I’m referring to how the bed distributes your body weight. Even weight distribution reduces tension throughout the body, which is particularly useful for those suffering from shoulder pain. The best pressure-relieving mattresses for shoulder pain provide a comfortable resting place to soothe shoulder, neck, spine, and hip muscles and joints while simultaneously alleviating tension across the body.
I test the pressure relief capabilities of the mattresses I review using a pressure mat. The mat is rolled across the bed and I then lay on it in various sleeping positions. The mat then gives us a thermal “pressure map,” which shows where pressure is relieved, and where it is not. As you can see, blue and green indicate low pressure buildup, or good pressure relief, and red and orange show poor pressure relief.
Hear From the Doctor: How Can a Mattress Exacerbate or Mitigate Shoulder Pain?
“Your mattress can make your shoulder pain significantly worse if it isn’t supportive, isn’t the right firmness, or can’t relieve pressure points. A softer mattress with good cushioning, good pressure relief, and proper alignment in your spine and hips can help relieve your shoulder pain.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Sleeping Position
A mattress that supports your sleep posture will help relieve tension throughout your body, which can relax your shoulders at night. Take a look at a few of the main sleeping positions below to learn more about what type of mattress suits each best.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers with shoulder pain generally do best on a soft mattress that offers plenty of body contouring. You put a lot of pressure on the shoulders and hips when sleeping on your side, so you’ll want to look for a mattress with thick foam layers that will really cradle these joints.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers with shoulder pain should opt for a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress, according to a 2021 review. You’ll want something soft enough to allow some sinkage around the shoulders, but firm enough to support your lower back. No point in relieving shoulder pain on a soft mattress just to end up with lower back pain. If you’re a back sleeper with shoulder pain, we’d recommend looking for a bed that offers zoned support. These beds will feel softer at the shoulders to offer relief, but firmer at the hips and lower back to ensure you stay supported throughout the night.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers with shoulder pain should stick to a firm mattress to ensure they get appropriate support. A firm mattress that keeps their hips lifted up in line with their shoulders could actually relieve some pressure in the shoulder area, reducing pain. we’d recommend these folks opt for a firm mattress with a thin quilted pillow top that offers just a little pressure relief. I find firm latex mattresses with thin wool pillow tops very comfortable for stomach sleeping.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers with shoulder pain need appropriate support and pressure relief in all of the sleeping positions, but still need enough mobility to move around at night. In general, we’d recommend a medium-soft hybrid mattress to these folks. But, if you’re willing to sacrifice some mobility to relieve more pain, a soft all-foam mattress might be a better option.
Hear From the Doctor: How Can your Sleeping Position Affect Shoulder Pain?
“Back sleepers should use a medium-firm mattress and a pillow under the knees. Side sleepers benefit from a supportive pillow between the knees and a mattress with some softness but not too much to misalign their spine. Stomach sleepers should opt for a firm mattress and a thin pillow or none for the head. Combination sleepers need a mattress that’s comfortable for all positions. Maintaining the spine’s natural curve is crucial.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Body Weight
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds).
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
Most online mattresses are built for people under 250 pounds. So heavier people with shoulder pain may want to opt for a slightly firmer mattress, such as one of my best mattresses for heavy people. If you’re a heavy person choosing from this list, we’d recommend the Loom & Leaf mattress, which features enough deep compression support to keep you comfortable. On the other hand, lightweight people with shoulder pain should often opt for an even softer mattress than they think they need. If you’re under about 130 lbs and deal with shoulder pain, we’d look for a foam mattress in the 5–5.5 range on the firmness scale.
Mattress Type
Different mattress types offer more or less shoulder pain relief, so you’ll also want to pay close attention to the mattress materials you’re choosing. I generally recommend a mattress that is both contouring and supportive to alleviate shoulder pain, like memory foam mattresses. These types of beds can be especially helpful for sleepers with shoulder pain because they gently relieve overall tension, especially around sensitive joints.
Memory Foam and Polyfoam
Memory foam mattresses are probably the best fit for those with shoulder pain. They offer tons of body contouring and pressure relief, and have a slow response to pressure that allows you to sink into them. In general, I recommend that sleepers who struggle with shoulder pain (or hip pain) check out memory foam mattresses. Back and side sleepers may especially benefit from this.
Polyfoam mattresses are also a good fit for sleepers with shoulder pain. Soft polyfoam beds are not as supportive or slow-moving as memory foam mattresses, but can be great budget options for relieving shoulder pain in the short term.
Latex
Latex mattresses often feel bouncy and cooling. These beds don’t offer as much body contouring as other foam mattresses, so side sleepers with shoulder pain may not get what they need. But soft latex mattresses could offer great relief for back sleepers with shoulder pain.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine foam top layers with steel coils and can vary widely in feel. If you struggle with shoulder pain, we’d suggest looking for a hybrid with thick memory or polyfoam top layers that offer plenty of room for sinkage before transitioning into the coil support layer.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are generally not good fits for sleepers with shoulder pain. These beds have a traditional, bouncy feel and are often quite firm. A coil mattress without a thick top layer won’t offer quite enough pressure relief for sleepers with shoulder pain unless they sleep on their stomachs.
Pillow Top
Pillow top mattresses are usually hybrid or innerspring layers with an additional foam, wool, or occasionally down top layer. These beds can offer great pressure relief and feature a little extra sinkage. Generally, pillow tops are very comfortable mattresses for sleepers with shoulder pain.
Hear From the Doctor: How can Different Mattress Types Affect our Anatomy?
“Memory foam contours for personalized support but may retain heat. Latex offers resilience and allergen resistance. Innerspring mattresses provide firmer support and motion transfer. Hybrid mattresses blend foam and coils for balanced comfort and cooling. Gel-infused mattresses regulate temperature. Pillow-top mattresses offer extra cushioning but may lose effectiveness over time. The impact varies mostly on factors like body weight and sleeping positions.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress reduces disturbances throughout the night. If you sleep with a partner or pet, this is a measure of how much you’ll be jostled by their movements. If you struggle with shoulder pain, it can be hard to fall asleep, so you don’t want a mattress that it’s easy for your partner to accidentally wake you up on. You also don’t want an injured or sore shoulder to get disrupted overnight by a partner’s movements.
In general, memory foam and pillow top mattresses are good at isolating motion. Some of my best mattresses for couples also feature great motion isolation and might be worth a look if this is a priority for you. To test motion isolation in mattresses, I use a red wine and a ball test. First, I see how much movement causes a glass of red wine to tip over on a mattress. I then drop a steel ball from various heights and use a seismograph machine to measure how much movement ripples across the mattress. Smaller waves on the graph indicate better motion isolation.
Sleep Partners
If you share your bed with a partner, kid(s) or pet(s), reducing disruptions can lead to more restful sleep, potentially alleviating shoulder pain over time. Improved motion isolation can minimize the tossing and turning you experience during the night, which is especially beneficial for sensitive shoulders. I recommend choosing a mattress made from materials that effectively absorb motion, such as memory foam or latex.
Cooling
Hot sleepers with shoulder pain can struggle to find a bed because memory foam and pillow top mattresses, which are some of the best out there for shoulder pain, often trap body heat. To help mitigate this issue, we’d recommend opting for a gel, copper, or graphite-infused memory foam bed if you already sleep hot. You may also want to consider a mattress that includes thermoregulating materials like wool or soft latex, or soft a hybrid bed whose coils promote airflow. Take a look at our best cooling mattresses to find a few more options.
I test all the mattresses for their cooling capacity by using a thermal gun which measures the change in temperature from the mattress by itself to after I have laid on it for several minutes. I have found that anything below an 8-degree difference is considered good cooling, and below a 6-degree difference is great cooling.
What About Hot Sleepers?
I’ve mentioned that memory foam tends to be a heat-trapping material, which usually is a big red flag for sleepers who run hot at night. But don’t worry if you’re a hot sleeper who loves memory foam. Plenty of memory foam mattresses on the market have been designed to combat the natural heat-trapping quality of memory foam. Look for mattresses that are marketed as having “gel memory foam” or “aerated memory foam.”
Price
If you’re looking to save money when shopping for a new mattress, we’d recommend taking a look at our mattress coupon page and shopping during holiday sales like Black Friday or Memorial Day. If you’re planning to purchase a budget mattress, we’d recommend choosing one that offers a warranty and sleep trial period. Both options are great indicators that you’re purchasing from a reputable company that feels confident in their product.
If you are shopping internationally, shipping and handling costs can be even higher, so I have made a list of the best mattresses in Canada. You can look at this page for the best deals when shopping outside of the United States.
Company Policies
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial refers to the amount of time, a mattress company will accept free returns until to give you a chance to fully test out the mattress. Every company varies, but most offer a 30-, 60-, or 90-day sleep trial. Sleep trials are extremely beneficial because they allow you to truly see if the mattress suits your lifestyle and sleep needs. After a couple weeks, you will be able to determine if a mattress is relieving the pressure you feel, keeping you cool at night, or keeping you asleep next to a partner.
Warranties
Mattress warranties are extremely important to look at in case the bed you buy ends up being faulty. They also give you a pretty good idea of what the durability of the mattress is going to be. Most companies offer 10-year or lifetime warranties. I recommend investing in a mattress that is truly going to relieve your shoulder pain and can last at least 10 years.
Shipping
Many shoppers have said they refuse to pay shipping costs on a new mattress, considering the large upfront cost already. Every mattress on this list offers free shipping, so rest assured you won’t have to add that cost to your budget.
At an extra cost, some mattress companies offer white glove delivery, which is a service that hand delivers your new bed to your door, sets it up in your room, and removes your old mattress for you. I definitely recommend white glove delivery if you suffer from shoulder pain, as a mattress is not known to be a light load, especially when going up stairs.
Hear From the Doctor: What Does a Durable Mattress Look Like?
“A durable mattress is characterized by high-quality materials, a strong support core, edge support, resilience, motion isolation, minimal sagging, a substantial warranty, positive brand reputation/reviews and regular maintenance. It offers long-lasting comfort and support, withstanding wear and maintaining its structural integrity over time.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Neck, Hip, and Back Pain
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, you may also be experiencing pain in your neck, back, and or hips. Much like shoulder pain, if these are chronic issues for you, or the result of an injury, I recommend meeting with a doctor. However, the right mattress can be important for alleviating pain in these areas by providing ample support and pressure relief.
I generally suggest looking for mattresses that support the hips and lumbar region for these areas of pain and provide pressure relief in the respective areas. Exactly what kind of mattress you’ll want will depend on how you sleep and where exactly you feel pain. You can look at my recommendations for the best mattresses for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers to learn more based on your sleeping position and my picks for the best mattresses for neck pain, back pain, and hip pain.
Expert Tips for Relieving Shoulder Pain
Now that you know how to choose the right mattress to combat shoulder pain, let’s talk a little bit about what else you can do to help alleviate pain at bedtime.
- Get a new pillow that ensures your head and neck are properly supported. This can help alleviate pressure at the shoulders and reduce pain. Your pillow should be medium height and have a thickness that fills in the gap between your neck and shoulders. For the best pillow for neck pain, I generally recommend memory foam pillows with deep pressure relief. Check out my best pillows roundup to find a few options.
Hear From the Doctor: Why is Having a Supportive Pillow Important for a Good Night’s Sleep?
“A supportive pillow is important for maintaining proper spinal alignment and neck posture throughout the night. Without sufficient support from your pillow, you may experience poor sleep quality, discomfort, and wake up with neck pain or stiffness in the morning. Your pillow should align with your sleep position, whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, to ensure your head and neck stay in a neutral position while you sleep”. – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever before bed. Certain shoulder conditions can feel more inflamed or aggravated at night. An over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory can help reduce some discomfort. Of course, speak with your doctor if there are certain medications you should avoid or you need to take a reduced dose.
- Side sleepers should try sleeping on the opposite shoulder as a way to reduce pain.
- Stretch and exercise regularly to improve shoulder pain over time.
- Try sleeping on your back if you don’t already. Back sleeping is a great way to relieve shoulder pressure and pain. See my guide to training to sleep on your back.
- Back sleepers can try sleeping with an arm propped on a pillow. Elevating your arm could help take pressure off an injured or uncomfortable shoulder.
- Put a small pillow or rolled hand towel between your shoulder blades. This can relieve pressure across both shoulders. You can also try placing a pillow or towel under your painful shoulder while sleeping on your back to get the same result.
- Improve your overall sleep hygiene. Getting enough restful sleep can speed up recovery and help with pain. If you’re interested in improving your sleep hygiene, check out my 30-day sleep hygiene plan.
- Try a mattress topper. If you’re not ready to invest in a new mattress, a topper can add some much needed pressure relief to your existing bed. Take a look at some of the best mattress toppers, or take a look below to learn more about why a topper could help you.
When Should You Get A Mattress Topper?
Mattress toppers are a great invention for anyone who wishes to enhance their mattress without buying a completely new one. Like mattresses, there are many different types of mattress toppers on the market that are made with different materials and firmness levels. Sometimes, all you need is a mattress topper to turn a good mattress into a great mattress.
Best Mattress Toppers for Shoulder Pain
If you’re sleeping on a bed that’s too firm, or even a new mattress you haven’t quite broken in yet, a soft topper can do a lot to relieve shoulder pain and pressure. Or, if you’ve already got a great, supportive mattress that you don’t want to part with, but need a bit more pressure relief, a topper is likely the best option for you.
Toppers are also much more affordable than a new mattress, which can be a nice perk for shoppers on a budget. Plus, if you struggle with shoulder pain, but aren’t sure if a new mattress would help, a topper is a great way to see if some additional cushioning could be beneficial without spending a lot of money.
In general, we’d recommend looking for soft memory foam mattress toppers that offer a mix of body-contouring and pressure relief if you’re looking to address shoulder pain. My best soft mattress toppers and best memory foam mattress toppers roundups are great places to find some toppers that might work for your needs.
Will an Adjustable Bed Help With Shoulder Pain?
Adjustable bases are typically operated with a remote control or mobile app and can raise and lower the head and legs. When you use an adjustable base, you can customize your sleeping angle to what feels most comfortable for you. You can also lift the mattress head up for reading or watching TV in bed.
An adjustable bed could be a valuable purchase for sleepers with shoulder pain. Depending on your sleeping position, I recommend adjusting the base until your weight isn’t placed directly on your shoulders. You’ll be able to raise and lower your head and legs until you feel shoulder pressure relieving. Adjustable bases can also help with circulation, snoring, and other aches and pains.
FAQs
Is a soft or firm mattress better for shoulder pain?
For shoulder pain, the best firmness depends on one’s sleeping position. Side sleepers will likely want a soft mattress because they put a lot of pressure on their hip and shoulder at night. A soft mattress can contour to these sensitive joints and minimize pressure buildup. Back and stomach sleepers will likely want something a bit firmer because they don’t want to sacrifice too much support. But they should consider a comfort layer thick enough to cradle the shoulders.
What is the best type of mattress for neck and shoulder pain?
The type of mattress you’ll want depends on your body weight, sleeping position, and overall preferences. From there, you’re likely to find a mattress that cradles the shoulders while also supporting your spine and neck in proper alignment. For instance, side sleepers might want a cushioning memory foam mattress because they put the most pressure on the shoulder. Heavier stomach sleepers might want to go for a super supportive hybrid with a little pressure relief that keeps the spine in alignment and alleviates neck and shoulder pain.
What sleeping position is best for sleepers with shoulder pain?
I recommend back sleeping for shoulder pain, since there isn’t a lot of pressure put on the shoulders and weight is distributed more evenly. Stomach sleeping can be problematic in terms of proper spinal alignment, and side sleeping definitely puts the most pressure on the shoulders. I recommend trying to transition out of side and stomach sleeping if possible.
Can a mattress cause shoulder pain?
Yes, a mattress can exacerbate and in some cases even cause shoulder pain. For instance, if you’re a side sleeper resting on a super-firm mattress without much of a comfort layer, it can put far too much pressure on the shoulder. This can result in new or worse shoulder pain.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Sleepers who experience shoulder pain are going to need different things from a mattress depending on their body type and sleeping position. So we took various categories into account when choosing beds for this roundup. For instance, side sleepers tend to need a lot of pressure relief on their shoulders, so we picked a mattress that scored a high 4 out of 5 on comfort for this superlative. Back sleepers, on the other hand, need more support, so we chose a bed that scored a 4.5 out of 5 on support for that superlative. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,332 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Classic | Neck and Shoulder Pain | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar | Cooling | $1,387 | Nectar Coupon | |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,732 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Athletes | $2,111 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Signature | Back Sleepers | $1,799 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Heavy People | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Luxe Natural by Helix | Organic | $2,623 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.