Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
If you experience shoulder pain from an injury or a condition like arthritis, the right mattress may help ease it, allowing you a more restful night’s sleep. The best mattresses for shoulder pain are typically soft to medium-firm and offer pressure-relieving contouring and support that keeps your spine aligned. That said, the way a mattress feels largely depends on your body type and personal preferences, so what works for your friend may not work for you.
To put together our comprehensive list of mattresses that may alleviate shoulder pain, we relied on the expert evaluations of our mattress testers and certified sleep coaches who represent different body types and sleeping positions. They have collectively put more than 300 mattresses to the test. We also consulted Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, and quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine.
Our comprehensive testing methodology combines our hands-on experience with science-backed data to rate these mattresses on a scale of 1 to 5 in several categories. When selecting the best beds for shoulder pain, we concentrated specifically on the following factors:
Pressure relief: Mattresses that are too firm or overly cushioned scored low for shoulder pain relief because they result in pressure buildup.
Support: We rated mattresses high when they kept our spines in alignment during testing, as this keeps pressure away from the shoulders.
Firmness: We test firmness on a scale of 1 to 10 and have found that mattresses that score around 6.5 or softer tend to alleviate shoulder pain best.
Our Top Pick For Shoulder Pain
I chose the Helix Midnight as the best mattress for shoulder pain because of its ability to relieve pressure without sacrificing support. When I looked at the pressure map results for this mattress, it was almost entirely blue at the shoulder, which indicates very low pressure buildup.
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.
What I Looked For in the Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain
As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, I know a lot about mattresses. Along with my team — also full of sleep experts and certified sleep coaches — we put over 300 mattresses through rigorous testing to see how well they relieved pressure around our shoulders and if our spines felt supported and aligned.
While we concentrated on the three categories—firmness, pressure relief, and support—that factor the most into how well a mattress will help ease shoulder pain and improve your sleep quality, we also completed tests for several other features. Although these categories don’t play as big of a role in having a pain-free shoulder as pressure relief, support, and firmness, they lend to a bed’s overall comfort.
Responsiveness: We test a bed’s responsiveness to see how quickly it bounces back when weight is applied. Responsive mattresses allow you to reposition easily, making them a solid choice for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.
Motion Isolation: If you’ve ever been woken up by a partner’s tossing and turning (raises hand), it is a good indicator that your mattress does not isolate motion well. We evaluate how well a bed’s materials absorb movement and prevent it from moving to the other side. Those with high scores can help sleepers with restless partners get better rest.
Cooling: When my husband and I were looking for a new mattress, the only feature he was worried about was cooling. Our old bed trapped heat and often caused us to wake up in a hot sweat. So, we want to let you know if your mattress lets you sleep comfortably cool.
Edge Support: You may not have given much thought to a bed’s edge support because unless you test mattresses for a living, why would you? However, you most likely know if yours is good or bad. Good edge support allows you to stretch out and use the whole sleep surface of the bed without fear of the edge sagging under you.
Price: Given that preferences and budgets vary widely when purchasing a new mattress, our recommendations include various types that hit several price points.
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Couples
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors
Side Sleepers, Back Pain
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers
Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain 2025 Video Review
Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Shoulder Pain
Best Overall
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight Mattress
Cooling Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Reinforced Edges
Hybrid mattress
100-night trial on all mattresses
Free shipping on all orders
Presidents Day Sale
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This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Helix Midnight a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This means it’s slightly softer than the industry standard (6.5 out of 10).
Price
$937–$1,749 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
Back sleepers should get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
Side sleepers should experience nice pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.
The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
The Midnight is a responsive mattress, so it’s ideal for combination sleepers.
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.
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
For a mattress to be considered the best overall, it has to nail its performance in the most pertinent categories while maintaining high scores across the board. When it comes to the best mattress for shoulder pain, the versatile Helix Midnight is an overachiever. In addition to its high-pressure relief and support scores—4.5 and 4 respectively—this medium-firm mattress also had 4s or higher out of 5 in cooling, edge support, responsiveness, and materials.
This hybrid mattress combines soft, contouring foams with substantial, sturdy coils to give those with shoulder pain the pressure relief and support they need to alleviate any nightly discomfort. When I tested the Midnight, I was taken by how the foam upper layers provided a lovely, slow sink that melted the pressure away from my shoulders. My feelings were confirmed by the pressure map readings that showed mainly blues with just a touch of green, indicating low pressure throughout.
Our tester, Nicole Mondshein, liked that Helix was supportive without putting pressure on your joints, making it an excellent choice for sleepers with shoulder pain. “This bed offers a nice mix of softness and firmness, creating good support across different joints in the body,” Nichole says.
A cross section of the Helix Midnight.
Nichole testing the Helix Midnight in the side-sleeping position.
Nichole and I weren’t alone in this assessment of this hybrid mattress because multiple customer reviews raved about the mixture of sturdiness and softness as well.
However, if you sleep with a restless partner like I do, this may not be the best choice for you, as Midnight’s lowest performance score was motion isolation. Light sleepers may be disturbed by a bedmate’s tossing and turning, which is a different kind of pain.
Also, while this bed is an excellent value given its construction, it includes a foam comfort layer that welcomes sleepers into bed before a layer of studier foam transitions them onto a sturdy base of individually wrapped coils that move independently, providing better contouring and motion isolation. However, those who want a year-long sleep trial or forever warranty may be disappointed that Helix provides a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
Saatva Classic – Best Mattress for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
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
As someone who holds tension in her neck and occasionally injures her shoulder as a mediocre middle-aged CrossFitter, I am well aware that neck and shoulder pain often show up as an unwanted dynamic duo. Fortunately, luxury brand Saatva hits a bullseye with the innerspring Saatva Classic by combining a soft Euro pillow top with hearty upcycled steel coils, earning it a perfect 5 out of 5 for support and an impressive 4.5 in pressure relief.
This mattress combines outstanding pressure relief for both back and side sleepers with zoned support. It targets specific areas such as the mid-section and lumbar region with extra support while providing additional comfort around the shoulders and hips. The Classic helps alleviate neck and shoulder pain by keeping your hips elevated and spine aligned. These attributes are why our testers rated this mattress an overall score of 4.8 out of 5.
Neck pain can start or worsen when a bed allows spinal alignment to be compromised by enabling sleepers to sink too far into the mattress. However, finding a bed that offers enough support to alleviate neck pain and hug-like contouring that helps relieve pressure around the shoulders is a tight rope to walk for many manufacturers.
Also, this bed has three firmness options, allowing sleepers to pinpoint their preferences more accurately. We tested the Luxury Firm model, and while most of us immediately agreed that it had a true medium firmness, sleep expert and mattress reviewer Nichole Mondshein had to lay with her thoughts for a minute.
“I initially thought it was pushing away from medium-firm into the firm category,” she said. “However, after spending more time with it, I found it had that universally appealing medium firmness.”
An inside look at the materials that make up the Saatva Classic.
Nichole testing the Saatva in the back-sleeping position.
Nichole testing the edge support of the Saatva Classic
Nichole’s reassessment also shows why we believe in spending ample time with mattresses and not simply making quick, snap judgments.
Although the Classic is Saatva’s most affordable mattress, it is still a luxury bed made with high-end materials. As such, it won’t be in everyone’s budget. For a more affordable bed for neck and back pain, check out the Leesa Sapira Chill. You can also check out other options specifically for neck pain in our best mattresses for neck pain guide. Read more about this mattress in our in-depth Saatva Classic review.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
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
The best hybrid mattresses perfectly combine the comfortable plushness of foam beds with the sturdy support of innerspring, making them a versatile and popular choice. If you’re in the market for a hybrid bed for shoulder pain, I recommend the durable WinkBed. In our testing, it earned high marks — 4.5 out of 5 — for support and pressure relief, thanks to a comfortable pillow top and zoned coils.
After settling in to test this bed, I thought I would have to be forcibly removed because the extra cushioning of the Euro pillow made me temporarily forget I was working. I was also impressed that the individually wrapped coils had multiple targeted support zones that provided more support around heavier areas of my body and provided additional contouring around my shoulders. I and my fellow testers rated the WinkBed to an impressive overall score of 4.7 out of 5.
Nichole side sleeping on the WinkBed.
Nichole back sleeping on the WinkBed.
Nichole testing the edge support on the WinkBed.
I love it when a manufacturer offers the same bed in multiple firmness options. This shows they understand consumers may have different preferences even within the same mattress. Although I tested the Luxury Firm model and loved it on my back because it comfortably filled the gap in my lower lumbar region, I think many people with shoulder pain may appreciate the Soft option. The softer WinkBed should give folks the same support but provide more pressure relief around the shoulders.
The WinkBed is made with high-quality, eco-friendly materials sourced in America, and with a 4.8-out-of-5 customer rating, it has a lot of fans, too. One verified customer said the WinkBed brought them “comfort at last.” Although I think you’ll get a good return on your mattress investment with the WinkBed, it may not fit everyone’s budget. For a less expensive hybrid option that offers many of the same benefits as the WinkBed, take a look at the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-Firm
Cooling Cover and Foam
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
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We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm
Price
$931–$2,121 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
The Nectar is that rare foam mattress that’s supportive enough for stomach sleepers, and should keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a balanced feel, with contouring and support in equal measure.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more. While heavy side sleepers might be comfortable, heavy back sleepers with chronic pain will need something softer and heavy stomach sleepers will probably need something firmer.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
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
All-foam mattresses, like the Nectar, have long been lauded for their pressure-relieving properties, making them an excellent choice for those with shoulder pain. One of the drawbacks of this material is that it can trap heat. However, one of our testers used a thermal gun to get the initial surface temperature of Nectar’s flagship model and then measured it again after she lay on it for five minutes. The temperature only rose 6 degrees, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 for cooling, which also helped it gain an overall score of 4.5 out of 5.
Although the Nectar’s cooling capabilities are impressive, to make this list, it also has to be a good fit for folks with shoulder pain. With a 4.5-out-of-5 score for pressure relief and a perfect 5 out of 5 in support, this bed is a great choice to keep you cool and ease your shoulder pain. I think this is particularly true for back and stomach sleepers.
Sleepopolis’s staff writer Kenny Timper, joined Nichole Mondshein, sleep expert and mattress reviewer, and me for pressure map testing for the Nectar. All of our back images showed close to all blue, which is an indication of low-pressure buildup. However, when we switched to our sides, the images showed more green, with even a little yellow creeping in.
This is not a dealbreaker for us because we all still found it comfortable on our sides. Collectively, we decided only to deduct half a point in the pressure relief category. However, if you prefer a softer mattress, I’d recommend upgrading to Nectar’s luxury offering, the Premier.
Our neutral thermal gun results for the Nectar.
Our thermal gun results after five minutes of our tester lying on the Nectar.
After lying on the Nectar, Nichole said, “I noticed that it does sleep cooler than a traditional memory foam mattress, and the results on our thermal gun confirmed this.” This bed is also a hit with buyers, earning 4.7 out of 5 with a whopping 51,000 consumers leaving reviews. One verified purchaser said, “All of my pains are gone, especially the shoulder.”
Read our full Nectar mattress review for additional insight and details, and other options for mattresses that will help you sleep cool in our guide to the best cooling mattresses.
Saatva Rx – Best Mattress for Back and Shoulder Pain
Best for Back and Shoulder Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Saatva Rx a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 6.5 means that it’s a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,995–$4,390 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Stomach Sleepers
The Saatva Rx is supportive enough to prevent stomach sleepers’ hips from bowing into the mattress.
Pros of the Saatva Rx
It’s supportive while providing enough pressure relief for joint pain.
The specially designed blend of comfort and support makes it a good fit for all three primary sleeping positions.
There are plenty of cooling features, including airflow-promoting coils and infusions of gel and phase change material.
Cons of the Saatva Rx
It’s a very pricy mattress. For less-expensive options, see our roundup of the best cheap mattresses.
Shipping
Free shipping and white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns after at least 45 days and within the 365-night trial period
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
If you’re struggling with back and shoulder pain, the Saatva Rx may be the prescription you need. The company claims that this mattress was designed with people with back and joint conditions in mind. Of course, we wanted to test this claim and other aspects of the bed for ourselves, and I’m happy to report that the Rx delivers, receiving a 4.7 out of 5 overall score.
In testing, we loved how this bed’s universally appealing medium firmness and deliberate construction lent to relieving back and shoulder pain by utilizing two cooling gel-infused foams that wrapped us in us in cloud-like softness, exactly what you want in the best mattress for back pain. At the same time, the sturdy base layer kept our spines wonderfully aligned.
Our pressure map results for the Saatva Rx.
When we broke out the pressure maps, our hands-on evaluations were solidified with quantitative data. Our thermal images from the pressure map showed that the Saatva Rx did a superior job relieving pressure for side and back sleepers.
Testing the Saatva Rx for shoulder and hip support.
Testing the Saatva Rx for back sleepers.
One of our testers, Amelia Jerden, said, “The Saatva Rx did a good job relieving pressure for me in both the back and side sleeping positions. There is minimal pressure buildup showing on these pressure maps, indicating this bed should be effective at pressure relief for back and side sleepers.” Saatva’s customer reviews agreed with our findings, with verified buyers giving the bed a 4.8 out of 5. However, Saatva is a luxury brand that may not fit everyone’s budget. Don’t worry; we’ve rounded up the best cheap mattresses, too.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Budget-Friendly
Responsive Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
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The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
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
Finding a bed that will accommodate shoulder pain and a partner’s needs may seem like a big ask, but the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has the answers. This bed is available in multiple firmness options, and it performs well for those with shoulder pain, as it earns high scores in support and pressure relief. Our testers also gave it gold stars for edge support and responsiveness; two features many couples seek out. The Signature Hybrid earned 4.5 out of 5 for support, edge support, and pressure relief, as well as a perfect score in responsiveness, lending to an overall score of 4.5
A bed with strong edge support is sturdy and supportive around the perimeter, allowing couples to spread out and sleep closer to the edge while still feeling secure. We also concluded that this mattress’s responsiveness is a good fit for sexually active couples because it quickly bounces back to its original shape after applying weight, meaning you shouldn’t feel stuck in the material. You should be able to switch positions easily.
Nichole testing the edge support on Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid.
Nichole testing side sleeping pressure relief on Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid.
Nichole testing the edge support on the Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid.
Expert tester Nichole Mondshein said “The Signature Hybrid responsive feel makes it a strong mattress for sex, and its edge support is strong enough to make sure couples can spread out on their mattress without fear of sinkage or sagging near the sides.”
We tested the medium firmness model, and our pressure map images showed an incredibly low-pressure level when sleeping on our backs, making it a fantastic choice for back sleepers with shoulder pain. Many of the Signature Hybrid’s buyers remarked it was supportive when sleeping alone or with a partner. However, this bed falls a little short in motion isolation, only scoring a 3.5 out of 5. To avoid being woken by a partner’s tossing and turning, check out Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
December Deals
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As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
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
Athletes often tax their shoulders during their workouts, leaving them sore and tired by bedtime. To ease that pain, fitness fanatics need a bed that cushions their muscles and joints while keeping their spines aligned. Enter one of the best mattresses for athletes. With an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 and near-perfect results in support and pressure relief, as well as a cover made with Celliant—which a company-sponsored study shows may assist in blood flow and muscle recovery—the Bear Elite Hybrid was an easy pick for this superlative.
The Bear Elite stood out to me because despite being softer (6 out of 10 on the firmness scale), our testers noted that they didn’t sink too far into the mattresses. If you appreciate plushness but want to feel like you’re sleeping “on top” of your mattress, you’ll likely be a big fan of the Bear Elite. However, its pressure relief performance makes this bed a walk-off home run for athletes, earning it a 4.5. “I felt very comfortable on my back on this mattress, and also well supported on my side,” says mattress expert tester Nichole Mondshein.
Nichole testing out the Bear Elite Hybrid on her back.
Nichole testing the Bear Elite for side sleeping.
The pressure map testing results also blew us away. Almost all blue thermal images indicate little to no pressure build-up for back- or side-sleeping positions.
Our pressure map results for the Bear Elite Hybrid.
With almost 4,000 “truly honest customer reviews,” the Bear Elite is a champion with consumers, earning 4.6 out of 5 stars. However, this is a luxury mattress with a hefty price tag, so it may be out of some folk’s budget. It also costs $140 more to add the Celliant cover to a queen-sized mattress. While our tester said that she felt the cover could help athletes cool down after a workout, Sleepopolis hasn’t verified Bear’s claims that it assists muscle recovery.
Nolah Signature – Best Mattress for Back Sleepers with Shoulder Pain
Best for Back Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Nolah
Nolah Signature 12″ Mattress
Soft Feel
Organic Cotton Cover
Cooling Foam
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping
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The Nolah Signature is composed entirely of foam, including a breathable proprietary material called AirFoam.
Firmness
This is an ultra-soft bed, coming in at 5.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
Price
$1,299–$2,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Although this is a soft mattress, back sleepers should still get the support they need.
Back Pain
Its foams should soothe the lumbar region, as well as other aches and pains.
Side Sleepers
They should experience deep pressure relief at their shoulders and hips.
Pros of the Nolah Signature
The AirFoam is a more breathable alternative to traditional memory foam, which should appeal to hot sleepers
The cushioning nature of the bed provides deep pressure relief
Back sleepers and side sleepers alike should be comfortable
Cons of the Nolah Signature
The mattress likely isn’t firm or supportive enough for stomach sleepers
Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will also need something more supportive
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns
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
Back sleepers with shoulder pain may find it frustrating when looking for a mattress that meets their preferred sleep preference needs and helps ease their shoulder pain. This is because back sleepers tend to rest best on a medium-firm mattress with balanced pressure relief and support, but those with shoulder pain gravitate towards softer beds that pull pressure away from their aching shoulders. Fortunately, the Nolah Signature meshes these two worlds together seamlessly, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 in pressure relief and a 5.5 on our firmness scale of 1 to 10.
One of our testers getting a feel for the Nolah Signature’s materials.
Our tester Bridget back sleeping on the Nolah Signature.
Bridget testing out the cover of the Nolah Signature.
Nolah states that the Signature offers “best-in-class pressure relief,” and after testing, this is an accurate assessment. After conducting the pressure map tests, I said that if I could give this mattress more than a 5 in this category, I would.
I had injured my shoulder and deltoid right before I tested this mattress, and when I lay on my injured side, it felt better than when I was sitting in a chair. Also, although I’m not a back sleeper, I could become one on this bed because I could feel my stress and tension melt into the foam. The pressure map images confirmed my feelings, showing nothing but low-pressure blue for back sleepers and only some green for side sleeping.
The Nolah Signature is a softer bed, so it probably won’t work well for stomach sleepers. So, if your partner is a stomach sleeper, this may not be the best fit for you as this bed likely won’t give them enough support around their midsection, which could leave their spine in a compromising position. If your bedmate likes to sleep on their front side, check out our best mattresses for stomach sleepers to see if there is a bed that will meet both of your needs.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy People with Shoulder Pain
Best for Heavy People
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Firm, Supportive Feel
Built For Heavy People
Quilted Cover
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
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Hybrid, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Titan Plus Luxe as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it has a true medium-firm feel.
Price
$899–$2,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavy Sleepers
If you weigh 250 pounds or more, the Titan Plus Luxe should provide adequate comfort and support.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation and its medium-firm feel means it can work for mixed-weight couples.
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Titan Plus Luxe provides sturdy support for spinal alignment.
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe
This bed isolates motion well, meaning you shouldn’t feel movement from a partner or pet
It also has sturdy edge support, a bonus for heavier people and for couples
The Titan Plus Luxe is easy to move around on, making it a solid choice for combination sleepers
Compared to other beds for heavy sleepers, the Titan Plus Luxe is fairly affordable
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe
Despite being overall supportive, the Titan Plus Luxe still is likely too soft for heavy stomach sleepers, check out our best mattresses for heavy people
This bed doesn’t offer deep sinkage or body contouring, which can help with pressure relief, check out our best memory foam mattresses
Full refund within the trial period. Brooklyn Bedding does charge a $99 pick-up fee for returns.
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
Sleepers weighing over 250 pounds can have difficulty finding a mattress that helps ease their shoulder pain. The best mattresses for heavy people are typically firm and offer ample support, but shoulder pain is usually helped by sleeping on a softer mattress that provides adequate pressure relief. Fortunately, the Titan Plus Luxe exists, as it was designed especially for heavier folks and strikes an outstanding balance between support and pressure relief — scored 5 and 4 respectively — by using thick, responsive transition foam, sturdy, supportive high-density foam, and individually encased coils.
This bed comes in at a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is specifically suitable for individuals with a heavier weight. We had a 250-pound weightlifter do the pressure map testing for us on the Titan Plus Luxe, and his images showed little to no pressure buildup when he was on his back or side.
Our pressure map results for a heavy sleeper on the Titan Plus Luxe.
Another one of our testers, who is over 6’5” and also a heavyweight sleeper, had the same experience: “I felt plenty of pressure relief while side sleeping on the Titan Plus Luxe, but this mattress is not great for stomach sleepers, so keep that in mind.”
The Titan Plus Luxe in the Sleepopolis studio.
A look inside the Titan Plus Luxe.
In contrast, I’m an average-weight sleeper, and my thermal pictures indicated high pressure when I tested it on my side by showing a bright red stripe along my shoulder, ribs, and hip. Although smaller-stature sleepers may want to look at our best mattresses for lightweight sleepers, Titan Plus Luxe reviews show that this bed is a superstar with its target audience. This bed has a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating. Peter M, a verified buyer, said, “Great mattress! The hybrid design gives my back full support but avoids pressure point issues in my shoulders and hips. Bravo, Titan!”